The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant surge in cholera cases and deaths, with 307,433 cases and 2,326 deaths across 26 countries between January and July.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region is the hardest hit, followed by Africa, South-East Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
The cholera response is severely challenged by a shortage of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV), with demand far outstripping supply. Since January, 18 countries have requested 105 million doses, nearly double the 55 million doses produced.
WHO Raises Alarm
In January, WHO classified the global cholera resurgence as a grade 3 emergency, its highest level. Due to increasing outbreaks, geographic spread, and vaccine shortages, WHO maintains the grade 3 emergency status, assessing the global risk as very high.
Climate Change Worsens Outbreaks
Warming temperatures have exacerbated outbreaks, allowing cholera bacteria to survive longer and leading to the highest death rates in a decade.
Bainamultimedia/Khadijahtu Kubura Kailani
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