The World Health Organization has reported a surge in cholera cases across several regions worldwide, with nearly 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths recorded in 24 countries since the beginning of 2024.
The Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.
In a statement released on Thursday, WHO indicated that there have been no reported cases in the Western Region, as per its bulletin issued on Wednesday.
Although WHO depleted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines by March, it managed to surpass the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.
However, the supply of the vaccine falls short of the demand.
Since January 2023, 16 countries have requested 92 million doses of OCV – nearly double the 49 million doses produced during that period.
WHO, in collaboration with the UN Children’s Fund and other partners, is working to allocate resources for finding long-term solutions for cholera.
On a positive note in health news, WHO announced on Thursday that Chad has successfully eliminated “sleeping sickness” as a public health concern.
The agency commended the Government and people of Chad for eradicating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness.
“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement.
“It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD),” said Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
With this milestone, Chad joins approximately 50 other countries globally that have achieved this feat.
“The 100-country target is nearer and within reach,” Ghebreyesus added, referring to the goal outlined in the road map for addressing neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
Sleeping sickness initially presents with flu-like symptoms but can progress to behaviour changes, confusion, sleep cycle disturbances, or even coma, often resulting in death.
Improved access to early diagnosis and treatment, along with enhanced surveillance and response, has demonstrated that countries can manage and eventually eliminate transmission.
