The World Health Organization (WHO) has allocated $16 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies to address the issue of cholera. Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, made this announcement during an online press conference. He explained that the funds would be used for providing vital supplies, coordinating response efforts with partners, aiding countries in detecting, preventing, and treating cholera, as well as educating people on how to protect themselves.
Dr. Tedros emphasized that the ultimate solution to cholera lies in ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation, which is a recognized human right. Recent WHO data indicated a significant increase in reported cholera cases in 2022 compared to 2021, with preliminary data for 2023 suggesting an even more alarming situation. In 2023, 28 countries have reported cases, up from 16 in the same period in 2022. Countries like Ethiopia, Haiti, Iraq, and Sudan are currently facing severe outbreaks, while progress has been made in Southern African nations. However, these progress regions remain vulnerable as the rainy season approaches.
The most affected areas by cholera are impoverished communities lacking access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. They also suffer from shortages of cholera vaccines and medical supplies, along with overburdened healthcare workers dealing with multiple health crises.
Regarding COVID-19, Dr. Tedros noted concerning trends as the northern hemisphere heads into winter. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions have risen in several countries, particularly in the Americas and Europe. Vaccine coverage among at-risk groups remains low, with only one-third having received booster doses. Dr. Tedros stressed the importance of sustaining systems put in place to respond to COVID-19 and other infectious threats, including surveillance, community protection, healthcare access, and coordination.