In recent years, the world has made considerable progress in the fight against cholera. But, with climate change, urbanization, and population growth creating an ideal breeding ground for the disease, stronger action is urgently needed to bring eradication within reach.
JOHANNESBURG – Beginning in 2017, Yemen suffered the largest and fastest-spreading cholera outbreak in modern history. Thousands of new cases were reported daily, more than half of them children. And Yemen was not alone: that year, more than 1.2 million people contracted cholera in 34 countries, and 5,654 died. Given that cholera is preventable and treatable, this never should have happened. Fortunately, there is reason to hope that it won’t happen again.
JOHANNESBURG – Beginning in 2017, Yemen suffered the largest and fastest-spreading cholera outbreak in modern history. Thousands of new cases were reported daily, more than half of them children. And Yemen was not alone: that year, more than 1.2 million people contracted cholera in 34 countries, and 5,654 died. Given that cholera is preventable and treatable, this never should have happened. Fortunately, there is reason to hope that it won’t happen again.