WHO says seven countries accounted for most reported cholera deaths in 2025

Nigeria and six other countries accounted for about 90 per cent of reported cholera cases and deaths in 2025, according to the World Health Organisation. The WHO said 47 countries reported cholera cases and deaths during the year, but cautioned that surveillance figures underestimated the global burden. Reported deaths reached 7,870, the highest annual total since 1999 and a 30 per cent increase, while 451,499 cases were recorded.

The other countries in the group were Angola, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen. The WHO African Region recorded the largest burden, with cases rising by 34 per cent and deaths by 58 per cent compared with 2024. Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said the trend showed the need for targeted investment in safe water, sanitation and hygiene.

He also cited stronger surveillance, community engagement, vaccination and access to quality healthcare as measures that could reduce preventable deaths. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria and spreads through food and water contaminated with faeces, particularly where sanitation is inadequate, the WHO said. Severe dehydration can be fatal without prompt treatment.

More than one in five reported deaths occurred outside health facilities. The facility-based fatality rate remained below one per cent globally, although 12 countries recorded rates above one per cent in 2025. Global oral cholera vaccine production rose from about 30 million doses in 2022 to approximately 80 million annually in 2025.

The International Coordinating Group approved 71 million doses for affected countries during the year.