Cholera Death Toll in Africa Exceeds 2,400 Amid Worsening Outbreaks
Cholera cases in Africa have surged to 115,513 since the start of 2025, resulting in over 2,400 deaths. South Sudan, the DRC, Angola, and Sudan are the most affected, with South Sudan facing the highest toll. A coordinated response is deemed critical by health officials to address the worsening situation, exacerbated by water access issues and health system strains across the continent.
Cholera continues to wreak havoc on African nations, with recent reports indicating that the death toll has unfortunately surpassed 2,400 as of mid-May 2025. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) revealed a staggering total of 115,513 cholera cases reported across the continent, signifying an urgent health crisis. South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, and Sudan are among the most severely affected regions, with South Sudan alone tallying the most deaths at 848.
Speaking at an online media briefing, Yap Boum II, Africa CDC’s deputy incident manager for mpox, described the cholera outbreaks hitting these four countries as “severe.” He emphasized that these nations collectively represent 84 percent of the cholera cases and a staggering 92 percent of related deaths this year. The casualty figures similarly suggest a dire need for healthcare intervention in these regions.
Boum pointed out that Angola and the DRC reported significant statistics too, with deaths numbering 609 and 513, respectively. The spread of cholera is largely attributed to insufficient access to clean water, an issue exacerbated by health system strains across Africa. The ongoing cholera struggle coincides with various other public health emergencies, presenting additional challenges.
“A coordinated regional and continental response is urgently needed,” Boum stated, underscoring the necessity of united efforts to manage the cholera outbreaks. In this regard, the Africa CDC is preparing to draw on lessons learned from previous outbreaks, particularly that of mpox, which has recently been deemed largely under control.
In a related vein, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, Principal Advisor to the Africa CDC Director General, confirmed the application of mpox response techniques as a model in tackling cholera. He highlighted, “Lessons learned from the mpox response, especially the need for close collaboration with other partners, will now be applied to fighting cholera.” This synergistic strategy aims to enhance collaboration with numerous organizations.
UNICEF’s data reveals that between January 2024 and March 2025, over 178,000 cholera cases were confirmed across 16 countries in eastern and southern Africa, resulting in upward of 1,600 fatalities. Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, and others contribute to this overwhelming figure, while the combined burden borne by Angola, DRC, South Sudan, and Sudan surpasses 90 percent. Conflict remains a critical factor in this burgeoning health crisis.
The Africa CDC aims to replicate the successes of its mpox response through the Incident Management Support Team (IMST), formed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) and 26 additional partners, including UNICEF and Gavi. Under Ngongo’s expert leadership, the team has garnered praise for its methodical approach toward managing complex epidemics.
“We’ve shifted toward an integrated strategy that incorporates care for measles and chickenpox,” Ngongo noted. Critical pillars like surveillance and laboratory capacity are also being fortified, aiming to address multiple disease fronts effectively, including ongoing cholera outbreaks. The evolution of the IMST is pivotal as it modifies its focus in light of emerging health threats.
Despite the committed efforts, public health experts stress that foundational issues need addressing, primarily those relating to water quality, sanitation, and hygiene. The persistent threats from conflict and insecurity cannot be overlooked either, as they hinder progress significantly. Furthermore, Ngongo has advocated for a stronger African pooled procurement mechanism to promote local cholera vaccine production which has faced shortages in recent times, preventing adequate responses in affected regions.
The ongoing cholera crisis in Africa is alarming, with deaths exceeding 2,400 reported across multiple nations, notably South Sudan, DRC, Angola, and Sudan. The Africa CDC emphasizes the urgency for a coordinated response to mitigate the outbreak and combat the ongoing complexities tied to water accessibility and public health concerns. Utilizing lessons from previous public health challenges could lead to improved strategies in managing cholera. Experts agree that long-term solutions are paramount, especially in enhancing local water and sanitation infrastructures while also addressing the impact of conflict on health systems.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
