The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported a significant rise in cholera cases globally, with nearly 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths in 24 countries this year. The Eastern Mediterranean Region recorded the highest number of cases, followed by other regions. Despite depleting its Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) stockpile in March, WHO exceeded its emergency target of five million doses in June, but demand still outstrips supply.
On a positive note, Chad has successfully eliminated “sleeping sickness” as a public health concern, becoming one of 50 countries to achieve this milestone. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus congratulated Chad, highlighting the importance of addressing neglected tropical diseases to reach the global target by 2030. Sleeping sickness can have severe consequences if left untreated, but improving access to diagnosis and treatment has shown progress in controlling and eliminating transmission.