The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a resurgence of cholera cases across several regions worldwide. Since the beginning of this year, nearly 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths have been documented in 24 countries. This information was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday, June 20.
According to WHO, the Eastern Mediterranean Region has recorded the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region. In contrast, no cases have been reported in the Western Region.
SEE ALSO: Victor Boniface Celebrates Legacy of Obafemi Martins During Nigeria Visit
By March, WHO had utilized its entire global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV). However, in early June 2024, they surpassed their emergency target by administering more than five million doses for the first time.
Despite this effort, the supply of the vaccine falls short of the demand. Since January of last year, 16 countries have requested 92 million doses of OCV, nearly double the 49 million doses produced during that period.
WHO, along with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, are collaborating to pool resources for finding sustainable solutions to cholera.
In addition to the cholera update, WHO announced that Chad has successfully eliminated the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, as a public health concern. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus commended Chad’s government and its people for achieving this milestone.
“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement. It is encouraging to see Chad join the growing list of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD),” he stated.
SEE ASO: How to Make Money on OPay With and Without Referral
