The African continent is grappling with a rapidly expanding cholera outbreak, with over 163,000 infections and 3,273 deaths reported across 22 countries so far this year, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). Health officials warn that if current trends continue, 2025 could surpass the total number of cases recorded in all of 2024.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola are among the hardest-hit nations, with over 32,000 and 25,000 cases respectively. South Sudan, already burdened by conflict and flooding, has recorded more than 54,000 infections and nearly 1,000 deaths, particularly among displaced populations.

Experts point to unsafe water, poor sanitation, overcrowded urban areas, and cross-border movement as key drivers of the outbreak. “The weakest link is water, sanitation, and hygiene,” said Africa CDC’s chief epidemiologist Ngashi Ngongo, calling for a multi-sectoral response that goes beyond the health sector.

Africa now accounts for 60% of global cholera cases and over 93% of cholera-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The situation is compounded by climate change, El Niño-related flooding, and a global shortage of cholera vaccines.

Ngongo emphasized that the crisis demands coordinated international support, including expanded search and response teams, investment in water infrastructure, and community-based prevention strategies. Without urgent intervention, the continent could face a record-breaking year of cholera fatalities.

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