Cholera Outbreak Claims Over 1,500 Lives in First Quarter of 2025, WHO Reports

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a devastating cholera outbreak, with over 1,500 deaths and 116,574 cases recorded globally between January 1 and March 30, 2025, Anadolu Agency reported. The disease has spread across 25 countries in three WHO regions, with the African region bearing the highest burden, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia.

In March alone, 517 deaths and 32,985 new cases were reported across 22 countries, reflecting a slight decline from February but highlighting the outbreak’s persistent severity. WHO attributes the crisis to conflict, displacement, climate-related disasters, and inadequate access to clean water and healthcare.

Despite stabilizing the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) stockpile at 5.2 million doses, demand continues to outstrip supply, hindering outbreak response and prevention efforts. “Cholera is preventable and treatable, but delays in care can be fatal,” WHO emphasized, urging global action to strengthen water, sanitation, and healthcare infrastructure.

The agency warns that cross-border challenges, including floods and displacement, are exacerbating outbreaks, particularly in vulnerable regions.