Is the Global Cholera Crisis Worsening? 31 Countries Report Outbreaks in 2025, According to WHO
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Synopsis
Cholera remains a significant health threat, with 31 nations reporting outbreaks in 2025. The WHO's report reveals rising fatalities and cases, driven by conflicts and inadequate infrastructure. Increased access to safe water, hygiene, and vaccination is crucial to combat this preventable disease. Explore the alarming data and necessary actions needed to address the cholera crisis.
Key Takeaways
- 31 countries reported cholera outbreaks in 2025.
- Cholera deaths rose by 50% in 2024.
- Africa, the Middle East, and Asia account for 98% of cases.
- Access to safe water and hygiene is crucial in combating cholera.
- New oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-S, has been prequalified by WHO.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (NationPress) Despite being both preventable and treatable, cholera remains a significant global health concern, with 31 countries experiencing outbreaks in 2025, as per a recent report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday.
The findings highlighted a troubling trend: deaths attributed to the disease surged by 50 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. For the second year in a row, over 6000 individuals succumbed to cholera, while reported cases increased by 5 percent.
While these statistics are concerning, they likely underrepresent the actual impact of cholera, the report noted.
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which spreads swiftly through water contaminated with feces.
The WHO report emphasized, “Conflict, climate change, population displacement, and persistent inadequacies in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure are significant factors contributing to the rise of cholera.”
In 2024, cholera cases were reported in 60 countries, up from 45 in the previous year.
Africa, the Middle East, and Asia continued to shoulder the burden of this disease, collectively accounting for 98 percent of all reported cases.
The report also mentioned, “The extent of cholera outbreaks expanded in 2024, with 12 countries reporting over 10,000 cases, seven of which experienced major outbreaks for the first time that year.”
To effectively combat cholera, it is crucial for governments, donors, and communities to ensure access to safe water and sanitation facilities, provide accurate information on preventive measures, and guarantee rapid access to treatment and vaccination during outbreaks. Enhanced surveillance and diagnostics are vital for informing these responses. Moreover, additional investment in vaccine production is required,” it underscored.
In early 2024, the WHO prequalified a novel oral cholera vaccine (OCV) named Euvichol-S.
This addition helped maintain average stockpile levels above the emergency threshold of 5 million doses during the first six months of 2025.
However, due to persistent high demand for OCV, the temporary shift from a two-dose to a single-dose regimen remained in place throughout 2024 and into 2025.
A total of 61 million OCV doses were requested from the global stockpile in 2024, with a record 40 million approved for emergency use in reactive, single-dose campaigns across 16 countries. Nonetheless, supply constraints continued to exceed demand in 2024 and into 2025, according to the WHO.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that the cholera crisis is not merely a health issue but a complex interplay of socio-economic factors. The data presented by the WHO emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach, involving governments, communities, and global organizations, to ensure access to clean water and effective health infrastructure.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes cholera?
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which can spread rapidly through contaminated water.
How many countries reported cholera outbreaks in 2025?
In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 31 countries experienced cholera outbreaks.
What was the increase in cholera deaths in 2024?
Deaths from cholera increased by 50 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Why is cholera still a concern despite being preventable?
Cholera remains a concern due to factors such as conflict, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure for water and sanitation.
What measures are needed to combat cholera?
Effective measures include ensuring access to safe water, providing accurate information, and rapid access to treatment and vaccination during outbreaks.
