Geneva [Switzerland]: Cholera, a disease that should have been eradicated by now, continues to claim lives in 2025. According to Philippe Barboza, cholera team lead at the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 1,00,000 cholera cases and 1,300 deaths have already been reported this year.
He warned that these figures are likely underreported, as many countries are still submitting incomplete data.
A Dangerous Global Surge
Preliminary data for 2024 shows 8,10,000 cases and 5,900 deaths, a dramatic increase from the previous year. What’s more alarming is that cholera is now spreading to regions previously untouched, including Namibia and Kenya.
- Angola alone accounts for 36% of global cases in 2025
- The fatality rate in Angola is over 4%, well above the global average
- Myanmar has reported over 12,000 acute cases since July 2024
Climate Change & Conflict Fueling the Crisis
Dr. Barboza linked the rapid spread of cholera to conflict zones and climate change, both of which have made it harder for vulnerable communities to access clean water and proper sanitation.
Haiti is also battling an outbreak but lacks funds to contain it, further worsening the crisis in the region.
Urgent Need for Vaccines and Resources
As of March 2025, WHO had 5.6 million cholera treatment doses available. However, demand is rising fast, and current supplies are not enough. There is a pressing need to expand vaccine production and strengthen public health responses in affected areas.
WHO and its partners have deployed emergency medical teams, set up treatment facilities, and are actively training local health workers.
“No One Should Die of Cholera in the 21st Century”
Dr. Barboza concluded by emphasizing a hard truth:
“Cholera should not be killing anyone in the 21st century.”
He called on global leaders and health organizations to invest more in prevention, vaccination, and sanitation to finally bring an end to cholera deaths.
