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.
Lessons from previous epidemics
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Guidance Note on Community Engagement for Cholera Outbreak Response in the East and Southern Africa Region
Key Considerations: Socio-Behavioural Insight For Community-Centred Cholera Preparedness And Response In Mozambique, 2023
Social, Behavioural and Community Dynamics Related to the Cholera Outbreak in Malawi
WHO Multi-country outbreak of cholera, External situation report #1

Guidance Note 1: Contextual Factors and Risks to Cholera/AWD Transmission in Somalia and the Somali Region of Ethiopia

Guidance Note 2: Seeking Treatment for Cholera in Somalia and the Somali Region of Ethiopia: Contextual Factors
Identifying transferable lessons from cholera epidemic responses by Médecins Sans Frontières in Mozambique, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2015–2018: a scoping review

Participation with a Cholera-Exposed Population in Haiti: Finding their Own Solutions

Enhancing Community Engagement Through Data Collection: Controlling the Cholera Epidemic in Mozambique
