The World Health Organisation has raised alarm over a sharp increase in cholera deaths worldwide, reporting that the disease claimed more than 6,000 lives in 2024, marking the second year in a row that fatalities have risen.
In a statement on Friday, the global health body revealed that cholera cases rose by 5 per cent while deaths surged by 50 per cent compared to 2023. “Conflict, climate change, population displacement, and long-term deficiencies in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure continue to fuel the rise of cholera,” WHO said.
The agency disclosed that 60 countries recorded cases in 2024, up from 45 the previous year. Africa, the Middle East, and Asia accounted for 98 per cent of the global burden. WHO added that 12 countries reported more than 10,000 cases each, with seven nations facing large outbreaks for the first time.
The return of cholera to Comoros after over 15 years without an outbreak underscored what WHO described as “the persistent threat of global transmission.”
The report noted that Africa’s case fatality ratio grew from 1.4 per cent in 2023 to 1.9 per cent in 2024, reflecting “critical gaps in the delivery of life-saving care.” One in four cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities, pointing to weak access to treatment.
To tackle the crisis, WHO urged stronger investment in safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and vaccines. “Further investment in vaccine production is also needed,” the statement said.
It announced that a new oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-S®, was prequalified in early 2024, helping to keep stockpiles above five million doses for the first half of 2025. Yet demand still far outweighed supply. WHO confirmed that 61 million vaccine doses were requested in 2024, with a record 40 million approved for emergency use in 16 countries.
“However, supply constraints continued to outstrip demand in 2024 and into 2025,” the statement added, noting that 31 countries have already reported outbreaks this year.
The organisation described the global risk of cholera as “very high” and pledged to continue supporting countries with surveillance, treatment, and rapid response measures.
