The global cholera crisis continues to escalate, affecting countries that have been cholera-free for years. Outbreaks are fueled by conflict, climate change, and inadequate drinking water and sanitation. Efforts to contain the disease face significant hurdles due to recent cuts in international funding.
The ongoing global surge in cholera cases is endangering vulnerable populations. Outbreaks are fueled by conflict, climate change, and inadequate water and sanitation. In 2024, the WHO reported a 50% increase in cholera cases compared to the previous year. As 2025 unfolds, cholera outbreaks continue to spread. The disease is now reported in countries that have not been affected for several years. Angola, which last had a cholera outbreak in 2018, has reported nearly 10,000 cholera cases so far this year. Neighboring Namibia reported its first case of cholera in a decade following cross-border transmission from Angola. Other countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are also experiencing an increase in cases(1).
The primary cause of cholera spread is poor sanitation and limited access to safe drinking water. Conflict, population displacement, and severe weather events due to climate change have intensified outbreaks. Conflict and natural disasters have also disrupted population access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas(1).
To curb the spread of cholera, it is essential to intensify response efforts and strengthen prevention measures in unaffected areas. However, recent cuts in international aid funding have further strained the outbreak response, making emergency interventions even more challenging to sustain. As the crisis escalates, immediate financial support is crucial to strengthen response efforts and save lives(1).
(1) World News in Brief: Cholera surges worldwide. UN News, Global perspective Human stories. 4 April 2025.