Country: Pakistan Source: World Health Organization The plan emphasizes the importance of preparedness for increasingly severe climate change-induced disasters such as the 2022 floods, which triggered over 370,000 suspected cases.29 July 2025, Islamabad, Pakistan– Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) today launched the National Cholera Control Plan 2025–2028, targeting a 90% reduction in mortality by 2030 and preparing the country to prevent, detect and respond to cholera outbreaks in a context marked by severe climate change-induced disasters.The multisectoral Plan, launched by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo, emphasizes the importance of preparedness for natural hazards such as the 2022 floods, which triggered over 370 000 suspected cholera cases. Between January 2023 and July 2025, Pakistan reported an annual average of more than 21 000 suspected and 250 confirmed cases of cholera.“This plan and its implementation in partnership with WHO is particularly relevant because health care does not start in the hospitals where we treat the patients who are already sick. Health care starts with prevention in every neighborhood, in every community, so people do not get sick. For this, preventing water-borne diseases is particularly important,” said Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal.“Climate change is increasing the risks of floods and other natural disasters that can trigger cholera outbreaks. Without effective prevention, detection and response, cholera can be a major public health threat, particularly for the most vulnerable who have no access to safe water and sanitation. WHO is proud to continue to partner with Pakistan in this effort to save lives”, said Dr Luo.The Plan engages international, national and provincial stakeholders to strengthen structures and capacities across 8 main pillars: 1) governance/leadership and coordination; 2) disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics; 3) case management and infection prevention and control; 4) water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); 5) risk communication and community engagement; 6) vaccination; 7) operational support and logistics; and 8) continuity of essential health and social services.Pakistan committed to the 71st World Health Assembly resolution (WHA71.4), which urges the 47 Member States still affected by cholera to develop national plans to achieve the global goals of reducing cholera deaths by 90% and eliminating cholera in up to 20 countries by 2030, in compliance with International Health Regulations and the agenda set by the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC). WHO holds the secretariat of the GTFCC, a partnership of governmental and nongovernmental organizations, UN agencies and academic institutions with a common mission to reduce the global cholera burden.A public health threat affecting the most vulnerableCholera is an acute infection caused by ingesting the bacteria Vibrio cholerae present in contaminated water or food, resulting in life-threatening diarrhoea that requires urgent medical treatment. In Pakistan, cholera is a notifiable endemic illness. The majority of cases are detected in heavily populated metropolitan areas with poor access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene.It is estimated that cholera affects 1.3 to 4 million people annually, causing between 21 000 and 143 000 deaths worldwide.About WHOFounded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. We work with 194 Member States in 150+ locations – so everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health. WHO has been present in Pakistan – a founding member of the Organization – since 1960. For more information, visit https://www.emro.who.int/countries/pak/index.html. Follow WHO Pakistan on Twitter and Facebook.For additional information, please contact:José Ignacio Martín Galán, Head of Communications, WHO Pakistan, jomartin@who.intMaryam Yunus, National Professional Officer – Communications, WHO Pakistan, yunusm@who.int