The World Health Organisation (WHO) Wednesday published global cholera statistics for 2023, revealing a concerning increase in cases and deaths.
A statement by WHO said the number of reported cholera cases rose by 13 per cent and deaths by 71 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The WHO reported that over 4,000 people died in 2023 from a disease that is preventable and easily treatable.
“Forty-five countries reported cases, an increase from 44 in 2022 and 35 in 2021.
“Notably,38 per cent of reported cases were among children under five years old,” WHO said.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection spread through contaminated food and water, affecting communities with limited access to sanitation.
WHO attributed the rise in cholera outbreaks to conflict, climate change, inadequate safe water, sanitation, poverty, underdevelopment and population displacement.It said the geographical distribution of cholera shifted significantly from 2022 to 2023 with a 32 per cent decrease in cases reported from the Middle East and Asia, and a 125 per cent increase in Africa.