According to a recent analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO), there has been a significant increase in cholera cases worldwide, with the number of cases doubling from 2021 to 2022.
The data reveals a rise in cholera rates and larger outbreaks across the globe, with 44 countries reporting cases in 2022. The largest outbreaks, each surpassing 10,000 documented or suspected cases, occurred in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Nigeria, Somalia, and Syria.
In total, the WHO recorded 472,697 cases worldwide last year, compared to 223,370 the previous year. Additionally, there were 2,349 deaths from cholera in 2022, as reported by the WHO.
Cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water containing Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. While many infected individuals show no symptoms, the disease can be fatal. It is most prevalent in densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation, such as refugee camps and slums. It disproportionately affects communities already facing challenges like poverty, humanitarian crises, climate crises, and conflicts.
Although oral cholera vaccines are available, there have been shortages due to the increasing outbreak rate. In response to limited supplies, the WHO suspended its two-dose vaccination regimen last autumn and replaced it with a single-dose regimen to maximize existing stockpiles.
"While there is limited evidence on the duration of protection, the one-dose strategy has proven effective in responding to outbreaks," states the agency. Despite new investments in cholera vaccines, it will take two to three years before increased vaccine production yields noticeable results.
The cholera surge has continued this year. In May, the WHO declared the ongoing cholera pandemic a "threat to global health security," urging urgent and collective action and greater investments in preparedness, detection, and response.
Ahmed Abdo is professional journalist and editor scine 2018 , graduated from tanta University in the Department of Journalism I write in several fields work - entertainment - sports - health - science
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