A significant cholera outbreak is currently affecting Africa, marking the worst situation in 25 years. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded around 300,000 confirmed and suspected cases in 2025. This alarming rise reflects a more than 30 percent increase compared to 254,075 cases reported in the previous year.
Africa’s Cholera Crisis Overview
As of now, over 7,000 deaths have been attributed to cholera across the continent. The Africa CDC highlights the severity of the outbreak, particularly in Angola and Burundi, where there is clear evidence of active transmission of the disease. Director General Jean Kaseya has emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “Cholera is still a major issue.”
Key Statistics from Affected Countries
- Angola: 33,563 total cases; 866 deaths
- Burundi: 2,380 total cases; 10 deaths
- Sudan: 71,728 total cases; 2,012 deaths
Factors Contributing to the Outbreak
Cholera, primarily spread through contaminated water, causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. If untreated, it can lead to death within hours. The Africa CDC attributes the recent surge in cases to various factors:
- Poor access to safe water
- Ongoing conflicts in different regions
- Overcrowding and poor sanitation in refugee camps
In Sudan, the situation is exacerbated by conflict, which has severely damaged the country’s infrastructure. The ongoing war has disrupted sewage and water treatment facilities, contributing to a significant cholera outbreak. Reports indicate that the mixing of floodwaters with sewage has further compromised water quality.
The Humanitarian Impact
The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has reported that the recent outbreak in Sudan presents one of the country’s most severe health crises in recent years. In Darfur, MSF treated over 2,300 cholera patients, recording 40 deaths in just one week.
Moving Forward
To combat cholera effectively, health officials must address fundamental issues like water supply and sanitation. Kaseya warns that without improved access to clean water, controlling the outbreak will remain a challenge. Immediate action is needed to change the trajectory of this alarming health crisis in Africa.
