Extreme weather is worsening Africa's cholera crisis

Relentless extreme weather in Africa has led to severe cholera outbreaks, killing thousands and affecting hundreds of thousands more.

Sebabatso Mosamo, Farai Mutsaka, and Gerald Imray report for The Associated Press.

In short:

• Since late 2021, more than 6,000 people have died and nearly 350,000 have been infected with cholera in southern and East Africa.
• Extreme weather, including cyclones, floods, and droughts, has increased the incidence of cholera by contaminating water sources.
• A global shortage of cholera vaccines has exacerbated the crisis, particularly in poorer countries that are most affected.

Key quote:

"The outbreaks are getting much larger because the extreme climate events are getting much more common."

— Tulio de Oliveira, South Africa-based disease scientist

Why this matters:

Floods not only spread cholera but also destroy crops, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition, which weakens immune systems and makes populations more vulnerable to diseases. Conversely, droughts deplete water sources, pushing people to use contaminated water for drinking and cooking.