Despite a decline in reported infections, a global cholera resurgence is resulting in more fatalities compared to the previous year, as indicated by a recent situation report from the World Health Organization (WHO). From January to May 25, 26 countries across Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia reported 211,678 cases and 2,754 deaths.
In May, 17 countries documented over 52,500 new cases of cholera and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD), marking a 35% increase from April. While this reflects a 24% decrease in infections compared to May 2024, cholera-related deaths surged by 122% during the same timeframe.
Regional Impact
The African Region remains the hardest-hit, with more than 117,000 cases and nearly 2,500 deaths recorded so far this year. South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Angola are among the most severely affected nations.
Since the beginning of the year, South Sudan has reported 51,054 cases and 973 deaths. In May alone, the country recorded nearly 10,000 new cases and 190 deaths, the highest figures among all reporting nations.
During the same period, the DRC reported over 6,300 new cases and 128 deaths, primarily in conflict-affected provinces like South Kivu, Tshopo, and Haut-Katanga.
Response Efforts
“Cholera is thriving in the cracks of our global health system,” remarked a WHO official, highlighting issues such as weak surveillance systems, vaccine shortages, and limited response capabilities. Despite maintaining an average monthly stockpile of 5.7 million Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) doses, demand exceeds supply.
In the first five months of 2025, 26 countries requested 33 million doses, nearly triple the amount requested in all of 2024. Due to supply constraints, most vaccination campaigns this year have been limited to single doses.
The WHO and its partners have deployed experts, supported public health training, and coordinated cross-border surveillance and community engagement. However, response efforts are hindered by security issues, insufficient funding, and overburdened national health systems already strained by other crises.
Long-term Solution
Sudan experienced a 278% surge in cases in May, with infections rising to 6,806 and deaths increasing by 41%. The ongoing conflict has damaged water infrastructure, delayed humanitarian aid, and left large populations without access to care.
