Timeline

What happened: In 2023, the WHO reported a 13% increase in cholera cases and a 71% rise in deaths compared to 2022.
What's happening now: For 2024, reported cholera cases rose by 5% and deaths by 50% compared to 2023, with over 6,000 fatalities. Sixty countries reported cases, up from 45 in 2023. The case fatality ratio in Africa increased to 1.9%. A new oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Euvichol-S®, was prequalified, but supply constraints persist, with demand for 61 million doses in 2024 outstripping supply.
What's next: Preliminary data indicate the crisis continues into 2025, with 31 countries already reporting outbreaks. The WHO assesses the global risk as 'very high'. Continued high demand for OCVs is expected, with supply constraints likely to persist.

Different Perspectives

World Health Organization (WHO): Assesses the global risk as 'very high' and is actively responding through strengthened surveillance, case management, prevention, and coordination. Emphasizes the need for WASH infrastructure, community engagement, and OCV campaigns.
UNICEF: Provides on-the-ground support for case management, supplies, training, and vaccination campaigns, with a focus on children and community hygiene.
Governments and Local Authorities: Implementing national plans, vaccination drives, and strengthening health systems. The multi-sectoral nature of the response is highlighted by government-wide involvement in some regions.
Communities: Crucial for prevention through hygiene practices, clean water, and participation in vaccination. Community-led surveillance and engagement are vital for information dissemination.

What You Need to Know

Cholera deaths increased by 50% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching over 6,000.
Reported cases rose by 5%, with 60 countries affected in 2024, up from 45 in 2023.
Conflict, climate change, and poor WASH infrastructure are key drivers.
The case fatality ratio in Africa increased to 1.9% in 2024.
A quarter of deaths occurred outside health facilities, indicating access issues.
Despite new vaccine availability, OCV supply constraints continue to outstrip demand.

Regional Perspective

While the global spotlight is on the escalating cholera crisis, Singapore's situation remains distinct. Historically, Singapore experiences very few cholera cases, with only a handful reported annually. Current data does not indicate any significant outbreaks in 2024. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Health maintains robust public health surveillance and advises general hygiene practices. The global trend underscores the importance for Singapore to remain vigilant and prepared to prevent any potential introduction of the disease, reinforcing the need for strong public health defenses even in low-prevalence settings.