Multi-country outbreak of cholera, External situation report #21 - 18 December 2024

Overview

From 1 January to 24 November 2024, a cumulative total of 733 956 cholera cases and 5162 deaths were reported from 33 countries across five WHO regions.  The number of cases and deaths reported in November 2024 are 37% and 27% higher, respectively, compared to the same month in 2023.

Factors such as conflict, mass displacement, natural disasters, and climate change have intensified outbreaks, particularly in rural and flood-affected areas, where poor infrastructure and limited healthcare access delay treatment. These cross-border dynamics have made cholera outbreaks increasingly complex and harder to control.

In November, Oral Cholera Vaccines production reached its highest level since 2013, driven by new formulations and production methods introduced and prequalified this year. This increase allowed the average stock to rise to 3.5 million doses in November compared to 600 000 in October, closer to the five million doses needed for emergency stockpile at all times for effective outbreak response. However, increased production has not met the rising global demand. This persistent shortage continues to hinder efforts to control cholera outbreaks and respond promptly to the disease’s spread.