The preliminary data of cholera cases reported in 2023 as of 15 December has surpassed that of 2022, the World Health Organization report indicates.
According to the health report released on Thursday January 11, 2024, over 667,000 cases and 4,000 death were recorded globally, indicating 2023 data are not directly comparable to reports from previous years.
The report shows In total, at least 30 countries have reported cases since 1 January 2023,
The publication of the last situation report by WHO on the multi-country outbreak of cholera on 7 December 2023 which included data up to 15 November, and as of 15 December 2023, shows that one new country (Togo) has reported an outbreak of cholera or acute watery diarrhoea (AWD).
WHO says it continues to assess the risk at global level as “Very high”, based on the large number of outbreaks and their geographic expansion, alongside the shortage of vaccines and other resources.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, often from faeces.
Medical experts say, with safe water and sanitation, the disease can be prevented, warning it can kill within hours when not treated, but immediate access to treatment saves lives.
The report further points out that, triggers for cholera outbreaks—like poverty and conflict—are enduring, climate change and conflict are now compounding the problem. Extreme climate events like floods, cyclones and droughts reduce access to clean water and create an ideal environment for cholera to thrive”
WHO warns that, this increase in outbreaks and cases is stretching the global capacity to respond. There is a shortage of cholera tools, including vaccines.
