WHO warned of the worsening of the global cholera crisis, with a sharp rise in deaths despite a decrease in the number of reported cases, exacerbated by conflicts, climate disasters and poverty throughout Africa and the Middle East.
On Friday, in a statement on its website, WHO reported that between January and mid-August 2025, at least 4738 people died from cholera and acute water diarrhoea in 31 States.
Risk is increasing in Africa, with more than 3,700 deaths and deaths of 2.2% - more than twice the global limit of 1% referring to an emergency
States such as Chad, the Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are at the centre of the crisis, where their fragile health systems collapse under the growing outbreak of disease
WHO said: " The provision of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene is the only long-term and sustainable solutions to end and prevent this cholera crisis in the future " , warning that the risk of cross-border spread of the disease remains extremely high.
The spread of cholera and the aggravation of mortality are mainly due to the displacement caused by conflicts, floods and the collapse of infrastructure in these already fragile States.
Rural communities affected by floods are the most affected, where patients often cannot access life-saving and antibiotic fluids in a timely manner
A WHO official warns that every hour of delay in accessing treatment may mean the difference between life and death, noting that six States already have higher mortality rates than 1%.
African Heads of State recently pledged to eliminate cholera by 2030, making the disease a continental priority
However, the experts warn that without urgent investment, the world is risking losing its power in the face of a preventable disease. WHO stated: " The cholera is re-emerging in States that have not experienced any outbreaks of disease for years, which is a warning bell. Without clean water and a coordinated response, the number of deaths will continue to rise " .
