Acute watery diarrhoea and cholera

A Vietnamese child in Dak Lak province
WHO Viet Nam
A Vietnamese child in Dak Lak province

Globally diarrhoeal diseases are a leading cause of death, mainly in children and especially in the developing countries. Annually diarrhoeal diseases account for approximately 1.6 million deaths and 4 billion acute cases among children under five years old. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and a key indicator of poor infrastructure and hygiene practices. Every year an estimated 3 to 5 million cholera cases, resulting in 100 000 to 120 000 deaths occurring worldwide.

Effective control measures rely on prevention, preparedness and response. Provision of safe water and sanitation is critical in reducing the impact of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

Highlighted publications

  • World Health Statistics 2013
    World Health Statistics 2013 contains WHO’s annual compilation of health-related data for its 194 Member States, and includes a summary of the progress made towards achieving the health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and associated targets.
  • Global status report on road safety 2013
    The Global status report on road safety 2013 presents information on road safety from 182 countries, accounting for almost 99% of the world’s population. The report indicates that worldwide the total number of road traffic deaths remains unacceptably high at 1.24 million per year.
  • Atlas of health and climate
    The Atlas of health and climate is a product of this unique collaboration between the meteorological and public health communities. It provides sound scientific information on the connections between weather and climate and major health challenges.