Cholera deaths are surging worldwide, despite being easily preventable and treatable. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) analysis, cholera deaths increased by 71% in 2023, while cases rose by 13%. The WHO attributes this surge to conflict and climate change, which have led to huge outbreaks in countries that had not seen the disease in years.

The WHO reported over 4,000 official cholera deaths in 2023, but estimates the true number could be over 100,000. Cholera can cause death by dehydration in as little as a day, and treatment costs just pennies. However, access to clean water and healthcare remains a challenge, particularly in Africa, where cases increased by 125% in 2023.

The global burden of cholera has shifted from the Middle East and Asia to Africa, where catastrophic weather events and conflict have contributed to the spread of the disease. Large outbreaks were reported in nine countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Haiti.

The primary reason for the higher death rate was an increase in community deaths, where people died without receiving healthcare. Cholera surveillance is weak in some countries, and a persistent global shortage of vaccines has exacerbated the crisis. Demand for vaccines has outstripped supply, and the WHO has recommended a single dose instead of the standard two to stretch the supply.

Efforts are underway to increase vaccine production, but the total supply next year is not expected to exceed 70 million doses. Another vaccine, HillChol, is expected to be available for the global stockpile in late 2026.

The WHO’s cholera team leader, Philippe Barboza, emphasizes that the rising death rate is unacceptable and reflects the world’s lack of interest in a disease that afflicts the poorest people. He stresses that access to clean water and simple treatments like oral rehydration salts can prevent deaths.