Last year, the number of deaths from cholera rose sharply worldwide, with a 71 percent increase in fatal cases compared to 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The number of reported cholera cases increased by 13 percent. Last year, more than 4,000 people died from this preventable and treatable infection. A total of 535,321 cases of the disease were recorded, 38 percent of which affected children under five.
The number of unreported cases is likely significantly higher
Because not all cases are recorded and diagnosed everywhere, WHO assumes the actual number is considerably higher.
In Africa, the number of cases has more than doubled, while in Asia and the Middle East it has fallen by about a third. According to preliminary reports, the numbers have remained high this year, with 342,000 cases and 2,400 deaths reported to the WHO so far.
Conflict, poverty and climate change as reasons
“Conflict, climate change, inadequate water and sanitation, poverty, underdevelopment and population displacement due to new and re-emerging conflicts and natural disasters have contributed to the increase in the number of cholera outbreaks over the past year,” WHO said.
Far too little vaccine
According to the WHO, there is far too little vaccine available. Last year, 36 million vaccine doses were produced, but countries actually needed twice as many. Production will be increased by all means possible.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
