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Yemen Acute Watery Diarrhea
Although easy to prevent and treat, cholera affects up to 4 million people worldwide per year, resulting in up to 140,000 deaths.

Caused by a water-borne bacterial infection of the intestine, cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with fecal matter or vomit from infected people. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and rapidly prove fatal, within hours, if not treated. But cholera is very simple to treat – rehydration is key. Most people respond well to oral rehydration salts, which are easy to administer. In more serious cases, intravenous fluids are required. Ultimately, no-one should die of cholera.

Cholera

Quick facts about cholera

Cholera outbreaks resurgence | Web Clip EN SQUARE
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Cholera outbreaks resurgence

A resurgence of cholera outbreaks

In 2023, 30 countries recorded cases of cholera. MSF teams responded to cholera outbreaks in more than 10 countries, including in Lebanon, Haiti, Syria and DRC; in many of these countries, the situation is worrying. But why are we seeing a resurgence of cholera outbreaks?

CTC Infographic (EN)

What happens in an MSF cholera treatment centre?

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MSF often responds to outbreaks of cholera in the countries we work. But how do we set up our cholera treatment centres to ensure our patients get the best care possible - and that the disease doesn't spread? Learn more about the layout and activities of an MSF cholera treatment centre in this interactive guide.

Learn more about MSF's cholera treament centres
 
Niger

MSF treats cholera patients

Project Update 23 May 2013
 
Haiti

Miami Herald: Aid shortfalls jeopardize Haiti’s humanitarian programs

Project Update 23 Apr 2013
 
One of the cholera treatment centres
Haiti

Deplorable conditions for cholera patients

Project Update 12 Mar 2013
 
Haiti

Cholera remains major public health problem

Project Update 19 Oct 2012
 
Cholera Outbreak Guinea 2012
Cholera

Cholera epidemic escalates

Project Update 20 Aug 2012
 
Sierra Leone

Slum environment worsens spread of cholera

Project Update 31 Jul 2012
 
Guinea

MSF vaccinates 117,000 people against cholera

Press Release 1 Jun 2012
 
Chad

Preventing another cholera epidemic

Project Update 11 Jan 2012
 
Cholera

Cholera epidemic - MSF supports overwhelmed local health authorities

Project Update 28 Nov 2011
Advanced HIV management in Homa Bay
Medical Resource

MSF Field Research

We produce important research based on our field experience. So far, we have published articles in over 100 peer-reviewed journals. These articles have often changed clinical practice and have been used for humanitarian advocacy. All of these articles can be found on our dedicated Field Research website.

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