The WHO believes the actual number of cholera cases is significantly higher due to underreporting and misdiagnosis, with estimates suggesting around two million cases annually.

The alarming increase in cholera cases and deaths serves as a call to action for global health authorities to address the underlying causes and improve response strategies.

The WHO emphasizes the urgent need for increased vaccine production, improved sanitation, and better access to clean water to effectively combat the cholera crisis.

More than one-third of those affected by cholera were children under five years old, underscoring the vulnerability of this demographic.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a significant surge in cholera cases and deaths in 2023, with deaths rising by 71% and cases by 13% compared to the previous year.

Over 4,000 people died from cholera infections last year, contributing to a total of 535,321 reported cases, with 38% of those cases affecting children under five.

Cholera was reported in 45 countries in 2023, an increase from 44 in 2022, with outbreaks particularly prevalent in low-income and crisis-impacted regions.

Outbreaks are often exacerbated in areas lacking access to clean water and sanitation, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure.

Key factors contributing to the rise in cholera outbreaks include conflict, climate change, poverty, and inadequate access to safe water and sanitation.

WHO officials noted a critical shortage of cholera vaccines, stating that only 36 million doses were produced last year, far below the required amount.

In response to limited vaccine supplies, the International Coordinating Group has shifted to a single-dose vaccination strategy.

The surge in cholera cases has resulted in a severe shortage of cholera vaccines, with demand exceeding supply, despite a record 35 million doses shipped in 2023.