2025-04-21-世界卫生组织-Multi-country_outbreak_of_cholera,_external_situation_report_25_-22_April_2025_16页_1mb

Global Cholera Outbreak Summary

Overview

As of March 30, 2025, a multi-country cholera outbreak has affected 25 nations across three WHO regions, with a total of 116,574 cases and 1,514 deaths reported since January 2025. The African Region has been the hardest hit, accounting for the majority of cases and fatalities. The outbreak shows a slight decrease in March compared to February, but data suggest underreporting and reporting delays due to factors such as poor infrastructure, conflict, and climate-related events. The global case count is likely an underestimation, and the situation is driven by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Epidemiological Update

• March 2025 (epidemiological weeks 10–13):
  • New cases and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) reported: 32,985 across 22 countries, a 9% decrease from February.
  • Deaths: 517 globally, an 8% drop.
  • Regional distribution: African Region (22,372 cases, 504 deaths), Eastern Mediterranean Region (10,343 cases, 13 deaths), South-East Asia Region (minimal cases/deaths).
• Cumulative from January to March: Cases (116,574), deaths (1,514), primarily in Africa. Case fatality rates vary by region due to surveillance differences.

Regional Breakdown

• African Region: High burden due to conflict, displacement, and poor WASH. Countries like South Sudan, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have significant cases and deaths.
• Eastern Mediterranean Region: Decline in cases and deaths observed, likely due to interventions, but underreporting persists. Yemen, Afghanistan, and Sudan remain affected.
• South-East Asia Region: Low case numbers, but Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh reported AWD. No deaths during this period.

Operational Responses

• Global collaboration via WHO, GTFCC, and partners supports outbreak control through coordination, surveillance, laboratory testing, vaccination, and case management.
• Key activities:
  • Surveillance and data management: Updated guidelines and training to improve reporting.
  • Vaccination: Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) stockpile stabilized at 5.2 million doses, but demand exceeds supply, limiting preventative campaigns.
  • Case management and WASH: Technical assistance for high-priority countries; emphasis on IPC and WASH interventions in fragile zones.
• Challenges: Vaccine shortage, underreporting, funding gaps, and cross-border transmission risks.

Key Challenges

• Ongoing conflicts, displacement, and climate events exacerbate transmission.
• Inadequate data reporting hinders timely responses across regions.
• Limited resources and experienced staff strain national capacities, while donor withdrawals impact high-burden areas.

Next Steps

• Strengthen country-level planning, improve cross-border coordination, and address supply chain issues for vaccines and materials.
• Advocate for sustained funding and investment in cholera prevention and long-term preparedness.
• Enhance public health surveillance and community engagement to build resilient response systems against future surges.

Annex Notes

Data interpretation requires caution due to underreporting, varying definitions, and regional reporting delays, leading to potential underestimation of true burden. WHO continues to provide resources and guidance (e.g., GTFCC recommendations) to support affected regions.