With about 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths recorded in 24 countries since the year’s beginning, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an increase in cholera cases in various parts of the world.
The greatest number of cases was recorded by the agency in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which was followed by the African, American, Southeast Asian, and European regions.
WHO, in a statement on Thursday, stated that there are no instances recorded in the Western Region.
The world’s supply of oral cholera vaccines (OCV) was exhausted by March, according to the UN health agency, but it was still possible to surpass “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”
However, there is a mismatch between the vaccine’s supply and demand.
According to WHO data, 16 nations have sought 92 million OCV doses since January of last year, about twice as many as have been generated during that same period.
In order to find a lasting cholera solutions, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners are collaborating to pool resources.
On the plus side, the World Health Organization said on Thursday that Chad has effectively eliminated “sleeping sickness” as a public health issue.
The organization praised the Chadian government and people for eliminating the human African trypanosomiasis (often called sleeping sickness) in the gambiense type.
“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement.
“It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD),” Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said.
Chad became one of just 50 people worldwide who had been successful in curing the condition.
“The 100-country target is nearer and within reach,” Ghebreyesus, added, referring to the target set out in the road map for addressing neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
Initially presenting with flu-like symptoms, sleeping sickness can also produce confusion, altered behavior, disruptions in sleep patterns, or even a coma, which frequently results in death.
The enhanced availability of early diagnosis and treatment, along with surveillance and response capabilities, has demonstrated that nations can manage and ultimately eradicate the spread of the disease.
