The African Union’s public health agency has sounded a critical alarm over a surging cholera outbreak, with 127,409 cases and at least 2,597 deaths recorded so far this year, marking one of the worst epidemics in recent memory.

Ngashi Ngongo, Executive Director of Africa CDC, confirmed that efforts are underway to coordinate a continent-wide response to tackle the rapidly spreading disease.

“The situation is highly concerning. We need a unified strategy, not isolated country responses—just as we did with mpox,” Ngongo stated.

Between January and May 2025, cholera’s mortality rate has reached 2%, surpassing the critical threshold set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease—caused by contaminated food and water—has thrived in areas facing humanitarian crises, water shortages, and poor sanitation infrastructure.

Africa CDC reports that four countries—DRC, Angola, Sudan, and South Sudan—account for 83% of infections and 92% of deaths. Sudan is experiencing an especially dire crisis, with 70 fatalities and 2,119 infections reported in just two days in Khartoum, amid ongoing civil war and healthcare system collapse.

Africa CDC is deploying specialized teams, medical supplies, and financial support to affected nations. Inspired by the 2022–2023 mpox containment model, the agency is pushing for cross-border interventions and collaborative national strategies to halt further spread.

Though treatable, cholera remains highly lethal without timely care, causing rapid dehydration and death within hours—especially in communities lacking health services.

With children and adults alike at risk, Africa’s **ability to combat this outbreak hinges on expanding access to *clean water, sanitation, and emergency medical care*, all of which *remain structural challenges for many regions*.

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