Global Surge in Cholera Outbreaks

Since 2021, there has been an increase in cholera outbreaks and deaths relative to recent years. In 2022, 29 countries reported cholera cases or outbreaks with 13 new countries recording an outbreak. Some of these countries had not reported any cholera cases for many years and several are not considered as cholera endemic countries. Countries in Africa and Eastern Mediterranean are particularly affected. Many countries are reporting higher case numbers and Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) than in previous years. The  global average cholera CFR is the highest recorded in over a decade.

Drivers of the simultaneous progression of several cholera outbreaks include armed conflicts and resulting displacement, effects of climate change, complex humanitarian crises compounded by fragile health systems and lack of investments in water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure and services. In addition, the global lack of resources including the oral cholera vaccines poses significant challenges to respond to multiple and simultaneous outbreaks.

Social science insights from previous cholera and other disease outbreaks can inform the response, across pillars. Explore resources created by SSHAP and others on social science dimensions of the response.