The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday that a total of 34,799 new cholera and/or Acute Watery Diarrhoea cases were reported from 19 countries, territories, and areas across three WHO regions in January, including Sudan, Yemen, and Somalia.
The majority of cases were noted in the African region, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia.
During this period, there were 349 cholera-related deaths worldwide, with 46 occurring in Sudan, representing a 33% decrease compared to the previous month.
The WHO indicated that while the seasonal decline in transmission during winter months may partly explain the reduction in case numbers in certain areas, global cholera data remains incomplete due to underreporting or delayed reporting.
In January, the production of oral cholera vaccines reached 6.2 million doses, reflecting significant efforts from suppliers and partners.
The WHO explained that these advancements stemmed from the introduction and qualification of a new vaccine formulation and manufacturing process at the beginning of 2024. However, current production “has yet to meet growing global demand, and demand continues to exceed supply, hindering efforts to control cholera outbreaks, respond rapidly to the disease’s spread, and implement preventative campaigns.”
According to the WHO, conflicts, mass displacements, natural disasters, and climate change “have intensified outbreaks, particularly in rural and flood-affected areas, where poor infrastructure and limited healthcare access delay treatment.”
