The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a sharp rise in the number of cholera cases and deaths worldwide in November compared to the previous year.
From January 1st to November 24th, a total of 733.956 cholera cases and 5.162 deaths were recorded in 33 countries across five WHO regions, according to the report.
It states that November this year saw a 37% increase in cases and a 27% rise in deaths compared to the same period last year.
The report highlights that factors such as conflicts, mass displacement, natural disasters, and climate change are intensifying cholera outbreaks, particularly in rural and flood-affected regions. Poor infrastructure and limited access to healthcare in these areas exacerbate the crisis, delaying treatment and increasing mortality rates.
The cross-border nature of epidemics further complicates control efforts, presenting significant challenges for global health systems, the report notes.
It also mentions that November saw the highest production of oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) since 2013, thanks to new formulations and production techniques pre-qualified in 2024. This progress has increased average monthly supplies to 3.5 million doses, a substantial jump from 600.000 in October.
However, the WHO warned that global vaccine production remains far below the five million doses needed to maintain effective emergency stockpiles.
This persistent shortage, the WHO cautioned, continues to hamper efforts to control cholera outbreaks and respond swiftly to the disease’s spread.
The organization emphasized the urgent need to increase vaccine production to meet growing global demand.
