Amid global outbreaks of cholera in at least 30 countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that nearly ten lakh people in 43 countries are vulnerable to the water-borne disease.
From January to October 2022, 29 countries reported outbreaks of cholera. The number of cases reported is the highest in 23 years, according to the WHO.
Last year, WHO director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus averred that climate change had propelled the global outbreaks of cholera.
Syria recently reported its first case of cholera in 15 years. The devastating earthquake in Syria is also feared to exacerbate the situation. Lebanon also reported its first case of cholera in 30 years.
As per the scientists of the WHO, the economic crisis, post-covid healthcare crisis and climate change combined to fuel the present outbreaks of cholera. The situation is grim in Africa where 660 people have died of cholera so far in 2023. Malawi and Mozambique are facing the deadliest outbreaks of cholera in decades.
The paucity of vaccines is also thought to be a factor in the recent outbreaks of cholera. Only 3.7 crore vaccines are available so far.
Cholera is a bacterial disease. It is contracted by the ingesting of contaminated food and water. The WHO urged medical vigilance to prevent further outbreaks of cholera. In addition to this, WHO appealed to the countries to ensure the supply of clean drinking water and food to the citizens.
