WHO Reports Surge in Global Cholera Cases 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a significant rise in cholera cases globally, with nearly 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths across 24 countries this year. The highest number of cases is in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, followed by Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Europe. No cases have been reported in the Western Region. Despite exceeding the emergency target of five million doses of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) by early June 2024, the demand for vaccines still surpasses the available supply. In a positive development, WHO announced that Chad has eradicated “sleeping sickness” as a public health issue. This disease, also known as human African trypanosomiasis, has been controlled through improved diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. Chad joins approximately 50 countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD), contributing to the goal of 100 countries eliminating NTDs by 2030. 

Vaccine Shortage Amid Rising Demand 

The WHO revealed that its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) was depleted by March 2024. Despite this, the organization managed to exceed its emergency target of five million doses by early June. However, the supply of the vaccine still falls short of the rising demand. Since January of the previous year, 16 countries have requested 92 million doses of OCV, almost double the 49 million produced in that period.WHO, along with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, is working to find long-term solutions for cholera. They are pooling resources to address the vaccine shortage and improve preventive measures. 

Chad Eradicates Sleeping Sickness 

In a positive development, WHO announced that Chad has successfully eradicated “sleeping sickness” as a public health problem. This disease, also known as human African trypanosomiasis, can cause severe symptoms, including behavioral changes, confusion, sleep disturbances, and even death. Early diagnosis, treatment, and effective surveillance have been key to controlling and eliminating the disease. WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, congratulated the Government and people of Chad for their achievement. He noted that Chad joins a group of around 50 countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD). Ghebreyesus expressed optimism about reaching the goal of 100 countries eliminating NTDs by 2030. 

WHO reports nearly 195,000 cholera cases and over 1,900 deaths globally in 2024, while Chad eradicates sleeping sickness, joining 50 countries in eliminating neglected tropical diseases. 

Chad eradicates sleeping sickness

The World Health Organization highlights the urgent need for more cholera vaccines due to a global surge in cases while celebrating Chad’s successful eradication of sleeping sickness, demonstrating progress in combating neglected tropical diseases.