Cholera deaths surge globally, kill over 6000 in 2024
The world is facing a worsening cholera crisis, with global deaths rising by 50 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to new figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO).
More than 6,000 people lost their lives to the disease last year, despite it being both preventable and treatable.
The report highlights that global cholera cases climbed by 5 per cent, with 60 countries reporting outbreaks in 2024, up from 45 in 2023.
Africa, the Middle East and Asia carried the overwhelming burden, accounting for 98 per cent of all reported infections.
The WHO warns the numbers are likely underestimates, citing under-reporting, weak health systems and conflict-related disruptions.
Africa saw the sharpest rise in severity, as the case fatality ratio increased from 1.4 per cent in 2023 to 1.9 per cent in 2024.
Alarmingly, one in four cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities, exposing critical gaps in community-based treatment and access to life-saving care.
The report identifies multiple drivers behind the surge: climate change, conflict, population displacement and long-term failures in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads rapidly through water contaminated with human waste, often hitting vulnerable and displaced populations hardest.
The scale of outbreaks is also expanding. Twelve countries each reported more than 10,000 cases in 2024, while seven nations experienced large outbreaks for the first time.
Cholera resurfaced in Comoros after more than 15 years, underscoring the persistent global threat.
In response, the WHO has urged governments, donors and communities to prioritise safe water, sanitation and hygiene access.
It also recommends stronger surveillance systems, accurate public health communication and faster deployment of treatment and vaccines.
Vaccine availability, however, remains a stumbling block. In early 2024, a new oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-S, was approved and added to the global stockpile. This temporarily boosted supply levels above 5 million doses for the first half of 2025.
Yet demand far outstripped availability, with 61 million doses requested in 2024 but only 40 million approved for emergency use across 16 countries. The shortage forced health authorities to continue using a single-dose regimen instead of the recommended two doses.
Preliminary data suggest the crisis is continuing into 2025, with 31 countries already reporting outbreaks this year.
The WHO warns the global risk remains “very high” and says it is intensifying support for treatment, prevention and outbreak response.
