Skip to main content
Cholera intervention in South Kivu
War in Gaza:: find out how we're responding
Learn more
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
video

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?

thinglink.com

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
 
Réponse MSF à l'Urgence Choléra 2022
Cholera

MSF responds to change in global cholera vaccine strategy amid unprecedented number of outbreaks

MSF Access Campaign. 19 Oct 2022
 
Cholera in Haiti
Haiti

MSF responds to a resurgence of cholera cases amid insecurity and violence

Statement 4 Oct 2022
 
Cholera epidemic in Burundi - CTC Bujumbura
Burundi

Cholera epidemic: "Thankfully, my family all came back cured"

Project Update 19 Nov 2019
 
Franck Ale - MSF Epidemiologist
Cholera

How to identify the causes of an epidemic and respond strategically

Interview 21 Aug 2019
 
MSF working to prevent a new cholera epidemic in northern Cameroon
Cameroon

A multidisciplinary approach to stem the spread of cholera

Project Update 21 Aug 2019
 
Cholera response in Khamer, Amran hospital
Yemen

Endemic in Yemen, cholera still hits Yemenis hard

Project Update 5 Jun 2019
 
Emergency mobile clinic outside Beira, Mozambique
Cyclone Idai & Southern Africa flooding

MSF emergency response to Cyclone Idai and flooding

Crisis Update 26 Apr 2019
 
Emergency response in Nhamatanda district
Cyclone Idai & Southern Africa flooding

From emergency to recovery: Mozambique one month after Cyclone Idai

Project Update 12 Apr 2019
 
Mobile Clinics in Ponta Gea, Beira area.
Cyclone Idai & Southern Africa flooding

Mozambique declares cholera cases in Beira in wake of Cyclone Idai

Project Update 28 Mar 2019
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.

Visit site