The WHO reports an alarming rise in cholera cases, with thousands of deaths in 31 countries affected by conflict and poor sanitation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of rising cases of cholera, with more than 390,000 infections and 4,332 deaths reported in 2023. The disease, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, thrives in areas with contaminated water and poor sanitation. The worst-affected countries include Sudan, Chad, and Yemen, where conflict is worsening the situation. Sudan, the current epicenter of the outbreak, has reported nearly 50,000 cases and a mortality rate of more than 2%. The WHO emphasizes that cholera is preventable and treatable, but continues to claim lives because of collective failures in public health management.