Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated water and thrives where sanitation systems have collapsed. In 2024 the World Health Organization recorded 560,823 cases and 6,028 deaths; reported infections rose by 5 per cent and deaths rose by 50 per cent compared with the previous year. Sixty countries reported cases, and Africa, the Middle East and Asia together accounted for 98 per cent of the global burden.
The Eastern Mediterranean region was especially affected. It has under 10 per cent of the world’s population but accounted for 74 per cent of global cholera cases. Yemen alone made up 89 per cent of cases and 96 per cent of deaths in the Middle East and Asia in 2024. Somalia and Sudan also saw large increases.
Sudan reported over 123,000 cases and 3,494 deaths since mid-2024, its longest recorded outbreak. In Darfur cholera spread across many localities and infected over 18,000 people. A large oral vaccination campaign in September reached 1.6 million people despite major logistical barriers. Children under five accounted for one in five cases, and one quarter of deaths now occur outside health facilities.
Difficult words
- cholera — A serious disease caused by bacteria spread through dirty water.choleral
- outbreak — An occurrence of a disease in a specific area or group.outbreaks
- infrastructure — The basic systems needed for a country to function.
- vaccine — A substance that helps protect against disease.vaccination
- collaboration — Working together to achieve a common goal.
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Discussion questions
- How do you think clean water access affects health in conflict regions?
- Why is regional collaboration important in tackling cholera?
- What strategies would you suggest for improving hygiene in affected areas?
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