Geneva: The World Health Organization released its global cholera statistics for 2024, revealing a significant increase in both infections and deaths from the disease.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the organization’s report highlighted a 5% increase in reported cholera cases and a 50% increase in deaths compared to 2023, with more than 6,000 fatalities from this preventable and treatable disease. The report attributed the spread of cholera to factors such as conflict, climate change, population displacement, and inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.

The report noted an increase in the number of countries reporting cholera cases, rising from 45 in 2023 to 60 in 2024. The outbreaks were predominantly concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, which together accounted for 98% of all reported cases.

In 2024, the cholera outbreak expanded significantly, with 12 countries reporting over 10,000 cases each. Notably, seven of these countries experienced their first major outbreak of the disease during the year. The reemergence of cholera in the Comoros after more than 15 years highlights the ongoing threat of global transmission.

The case fatality rate in Africa increased from 1.4% in 2023 to 1.9% in 2024, indicating critical gaps in life-saving care and underscoring the fragility of many health systems and the challenges in accessing essential health services.