The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled alarming figures regarding the rapid spread of cholera in at least 31 countries this year, endangering nearly a billion people worldwide.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, while addressing diplomatic representatives in Geneva stated. “This disease should have been eradicated a long time ago, but its prevalence is, in fact, escalating.”
He highlighted that cholera reports in 2022 doubled compared to 2021 and cautioned about a more severe situation, as 31 countries have witnessed cholera outbreaks in 2023, with a billion people at risk.
Ghebreyesus emphasized, “The outbreaks in countries like Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe are particularly concerning.
In Southern Africa, significant progress had been made to control the disease; however, the rainy season amplifies the risk of further spread.” He expressed special concerns over cholera’s resurgence in nations that had eradicated it many years ago.
The Director-General drew attention to a “significant shortage of essential supplies, including the oral cholera vaccine.”
He made an urgent plea to the international community, calling for the collection of $160 million to combat cholera.
According to WHO data released in early October, cholera infections have surpassed 582,000 since the beginning of the year, resulting in the deaths of over 4,500 individuals.
