Data recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that more than 4,000 people died from cholera in 2023, representing a 71% increase in reported deaths compared to the prior year. Reported cholera cases rose by 13% during that period, according to the WHO’s global cholera statistics.
Cholera, a preventable and treatable bacterial infection, is typically spread through contaminated food and water. A variety of factors contributed to the increase in cholera outbreaks in 2023, including conflict, climate change, poverty, and lack of access to safe water and inadequate sanitation, according to the WHO. The agency said there is “very high” current global cholera risk.
The 2023 data also found the geographical spread of cases shifted from the prior year; cases reported in the Middle East and Africa fell by 32%, while there was a 125% increase in cases in Africa. The WHO said there was a high rate of “community deaths,” or deaths outside of health facilities, in many African countries.
There has been a years-long shortage of vaccines, according to the New York Times. The sole current global supplier of a cholera vaccine, a company named EuBiologics, is expected to be able to increase vaccine output through a production change, the Times reported. However, its total supply in 2025 would not likely exceed 70 million doses, which is less than the 74 million doses requested last year by countries with outbreaks. Another company named Bharat Biotech has received approval for its cholera vaccine by the Indian government for domestic use and is likely going to apply for global authorization from the WHO, the Times said.
Moving forward, the WHO said it will continue to provide surveillance, prevention, coordination and other support to countries to help manage the global cholera risk.
By Sara Merken