The World Health Organization Warns of a Sharp Increase in Cholera Cases in 2023
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning last Wednesday about a significant increase in the number of cholera cases and related deaths in 2023. The organization’s director-general emphasized that, despite this, cholera “is a preventable and easily treatable disease.”
The latest global cholera statistics show that the number of reported cases increased by 13% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 535,321 cases, while deaths increased by 71%.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, noted at a press conference that “cholera has killed more than 4,000 people in a year,” even though it is a “preventable and easily treatable disease.”
Philippe Barboza, head of the WHO team responsible for cholera and epidemic diarrheal diseases, stated that the number of cases and deaths is likely “underreported,” highlighting a lack of diagnosis due to significant disparities in capacities between countries.
