Africa is facing a deadly surge in cholera infections, with over 2,400 lives lost so far in 2025, according to figures released by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The agency revealed on Thursday that 115,513 cholera cases have been reported across the continent this year, with four countries—South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, and Sudan—bearing the brunt of the crisis.
“These four countries alone account for more than 84 percent of all cases and 92 percent of reported deaths,” said Yap Boum II, deputy incident manager for mpox at the Africa CDC, during a virtual press briefing. “The situation is severe and requires urgent, coordinated intervention.”
South Sudan has recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 848 deaths attributed to cholera since January. Angola follows with 609 deaths, and the DRC with 513. Sudan has also reported widespread infections, although official fatality figures remain under review.
Health experts link the outbreak to long-standing challenges in access to clean water and sanitation across the continent. “Recurring cholera outbreaks in Africa are largely driven by unsafe water sources and fragile health systems,” Boum noted, adding that many national health services are already stretched thin by other ongoing emergencies.
The Africa CDC has urged African governments and regional bodies to scale up their responses, warning that without swift action, the continent could face an even greater toll.
“This is not just a public health issue—it is a development crisis,” Boum said. “It requires investment in infrastructure, stronger surveillance systems, and greater support for local health workers.”
As the continent continues to grapple with multiple disease outbreaks, including mpox and malaria, the growing threat of cholera is putting additional pressure on overstretched healthcare services. The Africa CDC has pledged continued support to affected countries and called for unified efforts to contain the disease before it escalates further.