Cholera remains a persistent public health concern in Ethiopia, driven by inadequate access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH). Despite the country’s adoption of a National Cholera Elimination Plan (2022–2028), periodic outbreaks continue to occur. This study assessed the national and regional burden of cholera in Ethiopia from 2019 to 2023 using data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study 2023. We analyzed national and regional estimates of cholera mortality, morbidity, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), Years of life lost (YLLs) and Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) extracted from the GBD 2023 dataset. Trends were examined across sex, age, and region, and compared with recent national surveillance and outbreak reports to identify progress and gaps in cholera control. Metrics were presented as numbers, percentages, and ratios. The overall change between years was also expressed as a percentage change. The software SPSS v27 was used for all analyses. Between 2019 and 2023, Ethiopia experienced a 21% decline in cholera-related deaths (1,628.4 to 1,286.6) and a 25% reduction in total DALYs (116,785 to 87,673). Years of life lost (YLLs) accounted for more than 99% of DALYs, reflecting the predominance of premature mortality. Children under five and males were the most affected groups. Oromia, Somali, Amhara, and SNNPR contributed over 80% of the national burden, while Addis Ababa, Harari, and Dire Dawa reported the lowest levels. Ethiopia has achieved measurable progress in reducing cholera burden; however, regional inequities and recurrent outbreaks remain major challenges. Strengthening surveillance systems, expanding WASH infrastructure in high-burden regions, and integrating climate-informed early warning systems are essential. Accelerating the implementation of the National Cholera Elimination Plan through multisectoral coordination will be critical to achieving elimination by 2030.
Mengestu et al. (2026) studied this question.