After decades of steady progress in the fight against cholera, the disease is making a troubling comeback—even in countries that had not reported cases in many years.
Cholera is a severe intestinal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, often through exposure to fecal matter. The disease spreads rapidly in areas lacking access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. While cholera is entirely preventable, it remains highly dangerous if untreated, with the potential to cause death within hours. However, timely access to rehydration therapy and appropriate medical care can dramatically improve survival rates.
The resurgence of cholera is driven by long-standing issues such as poverty, fragile health systems, and political instability. Today, these challenges are further aggravated by the accelerating impacts of climate change. Extreme weather events—including floods, cyclones, and prolonged droughts—are disrupting water supplies, damaging infrastructure, and creating the perfect breeding ground for cholera outbreaks.
In 2022 alone, 44 countries reported cholera cases—a sharp increase from 35 countries in 2021, representing a 25% rise in geographic spread. This disturbing trend has continued into 2023, with new outbreaks showing higher lethality. The case fatality rates observed in recent outbreaks are the highest recorded in over a decade, underscoring the growing severity of the situation.
The surge in cholera activity is placing immense strain on global health systems and emergency response mechanisms. Supplies of critical cholera control tools—including oral cholera vaccines—are under significant pressure. Manufacturing constraints and rising demand have contributed to a worldwide shortage, complicating efforts to respond effectively and equitably.
DFGAHO currently assesses the global risk from cholera as very high and is working with urgency to scale up international assistance, strengthen surveillance, deploy treatment kits, and support national governments in halting the spread of the disease. From emergency stockpiles to community-based interventions, DFGAHO is mobilizing its full capacity to reduce mortality and support affected populations across the globe.