WHO Warns of Worsening Global Cholera Crisis, Calls for Immediate Action
Geneva – August 15, 2025 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent appeal to governments and the international community as cholera outbreaks continue to intensify across multiple countries, driven by ongoing conflict, poverty, and inadequate access to clean water.
Countries Facing Severe Impact
In Sudan, the disease has now reached all states. Since the start of the year, nearly 50,000 cases and more than 1,000 deaths have been reported. While infection rates have slowed in some areas, such as Khartoum, cases are surging again in the Darfur region and spreading into neighboring Chad.
Chad, which recorded its first case just over a month ago, has already confirmed more than 500 cases and at least 30 deaths. The outbreak is affecting both refugee camps and host communities in Ouadai province.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), more than 44,500 infections and over 1,200 deaths have been reported in 2025, with the majority occurring in the conflict-hit eastern provinces.
South Sudan has seen one of the largest outbreaks, with over 70,300 cases and more than 1,150 deaths, while Yemen has reported almost 60,800 cases and 164 deaths this year alone.
WHO’s Three-Point Appeal
The WHO is urging world leaders to:
1. Mobilize emergency funding to support outbreak response.
2. Facilitate rapid deployment of vaccines, medical supplies, and safe access for humanitarian workers.
3. Invest in long-term solutions, including clean water infrastructure, sanitation, and stronger disease surveillance systems.
A Preventable Tragedy
“No one should die because they don’t have access to safe water,” the WHO stressed, highlighting that cholera is both preventable and treatable if communities have access to clean water, proper sanitation, and timely medical care.
Public health experts warn that without swift action, the outbreaks could escalate further, particularly in areas already destabilized by conflict, leaving millions at risk.
