Angola is experiencing a significant rise in cholera cases, with the number of suspected cases reaching 1,710 in the last 24 hours. This represents an increase of 126 cases compared to the previous period.
As of Sunday morning, Angola reported a cumulative total of 1,584 suspected cholera cases across eight provinces, resulting in 59 deaths. The Ministry of Health’s latest update, shared with ANGOP, indicates that out of the 1,710 cases, 1,160 were recorded in Luanda province, 422 in Bengo, 267 in Icolo and Bengo, four in Huambo, four in Malanje, four in Zaire, two in Huíla, and one in Cuanza-Norte.
The cholera outbreak began in early January 2025. Since then, it has caused 59 deaths in Luanda (37), Bengo (15), and Icolo and Bengo (7). Children aged two to five are the most affected, with 272 cases and 10 deaths. Those aged 10 to 14 follow, with 222 cases and four deaths.
Currently, 214 people are hospitalized with cholera symptoms. No new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Health authorities have intensified efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
To manage the outbreak, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior, has launched a comprehensive response strategy. This includes a large-scale vaccination campaign aimed at preventing new infections and treating those already affected. Schools across the affected regions have been mobilized to facilitate the vaccination process. Children under 18 are being prioritized for immunization. School administrations are working closely with health services, preparing suitable spaces for vaccination, and encouraging staff to assist in these efforts.
Furthermore, the government launched a “catch-up vaccination campaign against measles” on October 28, 2024. This campaign aims to vaccinate adults who missed earlier doses and improve overall immunization rates. This proactive approach seeks to close gaps in immunity and prevent further outbreaks.
A surveillance and monitoring system has been established across 12 provincial emergency health centers. This system provides real-time data on the outbreak, allowing health authorities to track the spread of cholera and respond promptly to new cases. The Data Processing Center of the Epidemiological Surveillance System of the National Directorate of Public Health, part of the Ministry of Health, recorded 126 new suspected cholera cases in the past 24 hours. These included 71 in Bengo province, 36 in Luanda, 17 in Icolo and Bengo, one in Zaire, and one in Malanje.
The coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Interior are crucial in controlling the outbreak and protecting public health. With swift action and comprehensive measures, Angola aims to contain the cholera outbreak and safeguard the health of its citizens.