Cases of cholera, also known as acute watery diarrhoea (AWD), are surging around the world. Since 2021, many countries that had not reported outbreaks in years have been detecting it in their communities.  

Cholera is a waterborne disease, spread by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with the bacteria. Malnourished children are most at risk as it can cause severe dehydration and, if left untreated, can lead to more health complications including death.

The rapid spread of cholera we see today is made worse by weak water and sanitation systems, climate change, conflict and poverty, all of which make access to safe water more challenging. In regions such as East Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, this is particularly troubling as some countries have not experienced large-scale outbreaks in over a decade, highlighting a deteriorating situation for children and families.