Multi-country outbreak of cholera, epidemiological update #33 -27 January 2026 – World Health Organization (WHO)

Cholera Situation Report: January to October 2025

Overview of Cholera Cases and Deaths

Between 1 January and 26 October 2025, a total of 565,404 cholera cases and 7,074 deaths were reported across 32 countries spanning five World Health Organization (WHO) regions. The distribution of cases by region is as follows:

1. Eastern Mediterranean Region – highest number of cases
2. African Region
3. South-East Asia Region
4. Region of the Americas
5. Western Pacific Region

Notably, no cholera cases were reported from the European Region during this period.

Monthly Trends: October 2025

In October 2025, 35,026 new cholera and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD) cases were recorded in 20 countries across four WHO regions. This represents a 34% decrease compared to September 2025. Additionally, 335 cholera-related deaths were reported globally in October, marking a 55% reduction from the previous month.

Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) Stockpile Status

The average stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) doses in October 2025 was 7.9 million, surpassing the emergency threshold of 5 million doses throughout the reporting period. This stockpile is critical for rapid response to cholera outbreaks.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Efforts to reduce cholera incidence and mortality directly contribute to SDG Target 3.3, which aims to end epidemics of communicable diseases by 2030.
• Maintaining a robust OCV stockpile supports emergency preparedness and response, enhancing health system resilience.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Cholera prevention is closely linked to improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
• Reducing cholera outbreaks supports SDG Target 6.1 and 6.2, which focus on universal access to safe and affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Global coordination among WHO regions and countries exemplifies the importance of partnerships in combating cholera.
• Sharing data and resources, such as vaccines, strengthens collective action towards achieving the SDGs.

Additional Resources

For ongoing updates and detailed information on the cholera upsurge since 2021, please visit the WHO dedicated page: https://www.who.int/emergencies/situations/cholera-upsurge

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on cholera cases and deaths, which directly relate to health and disease control.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Cholera is a waterborne disease, implying the importance of access to clean water and sanitation to prevent outbreaks.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article references WHO’s role and global coordination in vaccine stockpiling and disease monitoring, highlighting international cooperation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable diseases.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 3
   • Indicator 3.3.3: Number of new cholera cases reported (used to track the incidence of cholera).
   • Indicator 3.3.4: Number of deaths due to cholera (mortality rate from cholera).
   • Indicator 3.b.1: Proportion of the population with access to vaccines (oral cholera vaccine stockpile and deployment).
2. For SDG 6
   • While not explicitly mentioned, the incidence of cholera cases implies the relevance of indicators such as:
     • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
     • Indicator 6.2.1: Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services.
3. For SDG 17
   • Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder partnerships (implied by WHO coordination and reporting).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: who.int