LONDON/GENEVA, 23 December 2024 – Three deadly diseases – dengue, cholera, and mpox – have seen alarming resurgences in 2024, exacerbated by climate change and conflict. Save the Children warns these illnesses will place significant strain on communities in 2025 unless global attention and action are intensified.
Deadly Diseases Reach Record Highs
More than 13,600 individuals, including children, have succumbed to these three diseases this year. Notably, dengue and mpox cases have hit record levels. While global cholera cases have seen a slight decrease, fatal cholera cases have surged by 126% compared to 2023.
Cholera Outbreaks Highlight Severe Challenges
Approximately half a million cholera cases have been reported globally by the end of September, with 3,432 deaths. Despite a 16% decline in cholera cases from 2023, the 126% rise in fatalities is concerning. Outbreaks in conflict-affected regions and areas battered by flooding have severely compromised healthcare access and critical infrastructure.
Source: WHO Cholera Situation Report
Mpox Declared a Global Health Emergency
Mpox, declared a public health emergency by both the WHO and the Africa Centre for Disease Control in August 2024, has surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries. Children account for a significant proportion of cases and fatalities, with a new, more virulent strain posing a particular threat.
Source: WHO Mpox Situation Report
Community Impact and Personal Stories
Beauty, 17, from Lusaka, Zambia, shared how the recent cholera outbreak affected her family. “Cholera has really impacted me and my family because my father had to stop work, and my mother, who is a teacher, also had to stop work. It was challenging for us financially, but we survived. Access to clean water is crucial to prevent diseases like cholera.”
Health Systems Under Pressure
Dr. Revati Phalkey, Global Health and Nutrition Director, says, “Currently, half of the world’s population lacks full access to essential, quality, and affordable health services. Health systems are severely strained, with no significant improvement since the Sustainable Development Goals were unveiled in 2015.” She emphasizes the need for increased global investments to bolster health systems, ensuring access to vaccines, essential medicines, and emergency response.
Pneumonia: A Persistent Threat
Pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death for children under five, killing around 500,000 annually. However, new estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study show a significant drop in deaths from pneumonia, from 693,000 in 2019 to 502,000 in 2021. Although the reduction is attributed to COVID-19 restrictions, climate change is expected to exacerbate respiratory illnesses, disproportionately affecting vulnerable children.
Vulnerable Children Most at Risk
Children face heightened risks from dengue, mpox, and cholera due to weaker immune systems and limited protection. Dengue can lead to dehydration and shock, especially in young children. Mpox causes fever, rashes, respiratory problems, and can progress to sepsis in severe cases. Cholera poses a significant threat to young children, increasing the risk of dehydration and death.
Save the Children’s Response
Save the Children provides essential healthcare for children and their families, addressing diseases like dengue, cholera, and mpox. They also educate communities and schools on prevention measures to mitigate the spread of infections.
Call to Action
These challenges demand global cooperation to improve health systems and address the root causes of these resurgences. Join the fight to protect children’s right to health. Share this article on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and comment below with your thoughts and support.
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