Attachments
Overview
Data as of 26 May 2024
- In May 2024 (epidemiological weeks 18 to 21), a total of 46 364 new cholera cases were reported from 19 countries, territories, and areas (hereafter countries) across four WHO regions, showing a 58% increase from the previous month. The Eastern Mediterranean Region registered the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the European Region, and the South-East Asia Region. During this period, 185 cholera-related deaths were reported globally, representing a 37% decrease from the previous month. Around the same time last year, 60 288 cases and 263 cholera-related deaths were reported from 20 countries. Cases and deaths reported over this period in 2024 are 23% lower and 30% lower, respectively than those reported over the same period last year. For the latest data, please refer to WHO’s. Global Cholera and Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) Dashboard.
- From 1 January 2024 to 26 May 2024, a cumulative total of 194 897 cholera cases and 1932 deaths were reported from 24 countries across five WHO regions, with the Eastern Mediterranean Region recording the highest numbers, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the South-East Asia Region, and the European Region. No outbreaks were reported in the Western Pacific Region during this time.
- The global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) was depleted until early March but exceeded the emergency target of 5 million doses in early June for the first time in 2024. As of 10 June 2024, the stockpile has 6.2 million doses.
- However, demand for the vaccine continues to outpace supply. Since January 2023, 92 million OCV doses were requested by 16 countries, nearly double the 49 million doses produced during this period. Preventive vaccination campaigns remain suspended to prioritize doses for outbreak response.
- WHO classified the global resurgence of cholera as a grade 3 emergency in January 2023, the highest internal level for emergencies in WHO. Based on the number of outbreaks and their geographic expansion, alongside the shortage of vaccines and other resources, WHO continues to assess the risk at the global level as very high and the event remains classified as a grade 3 emergency.
- WHO continues to work with global, regional, and country partners to support Member States in the response.
- The dynamics of cholera outbreaks are increasingly complex due to factors that transcend national boundaries, such as population mobility, natural disasters, and climate change. Inadequate disease surveillance at border areas and limited awareness in cholera-affected communities are also contributing factors. To address these challenges, countries must prioritize cross-border collaboration by establishing real-time data sharing mechanisms, harmonizing surveillance systems, pooling resources, and implementing joint preparedness and response interventions.