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Malawi + 27 more

Multi-Country Outbreak of Cholera, External Situation Report #10, Published 11 January 2024

Attachments

Overview

Preliminary data from Member States indicate that the number of cholera cases reported in 2023 as of 15 December has surpassed that of 2022, with over 667 000 cases and 4000 deaths. These figures must be interpreted with caution given the varying surveillance systems and capacity across countries, which means that 2023 data are not directly comparable to reports from previous years.

Since the publication of the last situation report on the multi-country outbreak of cholera on 7 December 2023 (which included data up to 15 November), and as of 15 December 2023, one new country (Togo) has reported an outbreak of cholera or acute watery diarrhoea (AWD). In total, at least 30 countries have reported cases since 1 January 2023.

Nearly a year has passed since WHO classified the global resurgence of cholera as a grade 3 emergency, the highest internal level for a health emergency requiring a comprehensive response at the three levels of the organization. WHO is currently reviewing its response to cholera globally to identify key lessons and make evidence-based adjustments where needed to better coordinate activities in the coming months.

Based on the large number of outbreaks and their geographic expansion, alongside the shortage of vaccines and other resources, WHO continues to assess the risk at global level as very high.

Cholera upsurge (2021-present): https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/cholera-upsurge/