WHO Reports Over 6,000 Cholera Deaths in 2024 as Global Outbreaks Worsen

WHO Reports Over 6,000 Cholera Deaths in 2024 as Global Outbreaks Worsen
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a sharp rise in cholera cases and deaths worldwide in 2024, warning that the disease remains a major public health threat. According to the agency, more than 6,000 people died of cholera last year, marking a 50% increase in fatalities compared with 2023. Reported cases also rose by 5%.

The WHO said outbreaks were fueled by conflict, climate change, population displacement, and chronic weaknesses in water, sanitation, and hygiene systems. A total of 60 countries recorded cholera cases in 2024, up from 45 in 2023, with Africa, the Middle East, and Asia accounting for 98% of infections.

Twelve countries reported over 10,000 cases each, including seven experiencing major outbreaks for the first time. Cholera re-emerged in Comoros after more than 15 years, underscoring the disease’s ongoing global transmission risks.

Mortality rates in Africa climbed from 1.4% in 2023 to 1.9% in 2024, exposing gaps in life-saving care and fragile health systems. One in four deaths occurred outside health facilities, highlighting barriers to treatment and the urgent need to strengthen community-level responses. WHO assessed the global risk from cholera as “very high” and said it is responding with emergency measures to reduce deaths and contain further spread.