The World Health Organisation (WHO), has announced that almost 2000 people died from cholera in 200,000 reported cases this year
A statement by the health organisation’s Eastern Mediterranean Region said 1,932 deaths were recorded in 194,897 cases from January 1 to May 26, 2024.
The cases were reported from 24 countries across five WHO regions, with the Eastern Mediterranean Region recording the highest numbers, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region. No outbreaks were reported in the Western Pacific Region during this time.
“The global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) was depleted until early March but exceeded the emergency target of 5 million doses in early June for the first time in 2024. As of 10 June 2024, the stockpile has 6.2 million doses. However, demand for the vaccine continues to outpace supply. Since January 2023, 92 million OCV doses were requested by 16 countries, nearly double the 49 million doses produced during this period,” it said.
It added that 16 countries requested 92 million doses of OCV since January last year which was almost double the 49 million produced during that time.
After decades of successfully tackling the disease, cases have suddenly resurfaced, even in countries that have not had a case in decades.
“The recent outbreaks have also been more deadly, with case fatality rates being the highest recorded in over a decade.
“This increase in outbreaks and cases is stretching the global capacity to respond. There is a shortage of cholera tools, including vaccines,’ the statement noted.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, often from faeces. With safe water and sanitation, cholera can be prevented. Although it can be fatal when not treated, immediate access to treatment saves lives.
While persistent factors like poverty and conflict continue to trigger cholera outbreaks, climate change and conflict are now exacerbating the issue. Extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones, and droughts reduce access to clean water, creating conditions that allow cholera to thrive.
