The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the escalating cholera crisis in Africa, reporting that over 4,200 people have died from the disease in 2025 alone. This surge in mortality, coupled with more than 190,000 registered cases across 23 countries, underscores the severe public health challenges gripping the continent. Patrick Abok, the acting regional emergencies director at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, highlighted the dire situation during a virtual news conference from Angola, noting that 16 African nations are still grappling with active cholera outbreaks. The combination of inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and climate-driven flooding has created a perfect storm for the spread of this preventable yet deadly bacterial infection.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through the consumption of contaminated water or food. The disease thrives in environments where sanitation infrastructure is poor, hygiene practices are limited, and access to safe drinking water is scarce. Symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, which can lead to death within hours if left untreated. While cholera is treatable with rehydration therapy and antibiotics, the rapid spread of the disease in vulnerable regions has overwhelmed fragile health systems, exacerbating the crisis.
Abok emphasized that Africa is facing some of its most formidable health emergencies in recent years, with cholera being just one of several infectious diseases straining the continent’s healthcare infrastructure. Alongside cholera, a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai province, as well as ongoing battles with mpox, measles, and other diseases, have stretched resources thin. These concurrent health crises are unfolding against a backdrop of humanitarian challenges, including conflict, displacement, and climate-related disasters, which further complicate response efforts.
The WHO has been working tirelessly to curb the spread of cholera, supporting treatment centers, distributing essential medical supplies, and facilitating vaccination campaigns. In 2025 alone, more than 15 million doses of cholera vaccines have been administered across affected regions. However, vaccination efforts face significant hurdles, including logistical challenges in reaching remote communities and ensuring a steady supply of vaccines. Abok stressed that while these interventions are critical, addressing the root causes of cholera—namely, poor sanitation and lack of clean water—remains a daunting challenge.
Several African nations, including Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been hit particularly hard by the cholera epidemic. In these countries, a combination of environmental and human-made factors has fueled the outbreak. Climate-related flooding, exacerbated by global warming, has contaminated water sources and disrupted sanitation systems, creating ideal conditions for the spread of cholera. Heavy rainfall and flooding have also displaced communities, forcing people into crowded, unsanitary conditions where the disease can spread rapidly. In Sudan, for example, ongoing conflict has led to the collapse of much of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, leaving millions vulnerable to infectious diseases like cholera.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the hardest-hit nations, faces a unique set of challenges. The country’s vast size, coupled with ongoing conflict in certain regions, makes it difficult to deliver aid and medical supplies to affected populations. In Kasai province, where the new Ebola outbreak has emerged, health workers are now battling multiple infectious diseases simultaneously, further straining an already overburdened system. Ethiopia, meanwhile, is grappling with the dual burden of cholera and malnutrition, as food insecurity compounds the health crisis in affected communities.
Abok highlighted the critical role of access to safe water and hygiene facilities in preventing cholera outbreaks. “Access to safe water and hygiene facilities remains inadequate, and therefore cholera continues as a serious public health risk in places already facing a humanitarian crisis,” he said. In many affected areas, communities rely on contaminated rivers or wells for drinking water, and basic sanitation infrastructure, such as latrines, is either nonexistent or insufficient. These conditions are particularly acute in rural and conflict-affected regions, where poverty and insecurity exacerbate vulnerabilities.
The WHO’s response to the cholera crisis has been multifaceted, involving both immediate interventions and long-term strategies. In addition to supporting treatment centers and vaccination campaigns, the organization is working with governments and local partners to improve water and sanitation infrastructure. This includes constructing wells, installing water purification systems, and promoting hygiene education to reduce the risk of contamination. However, these efforts require significant funding and coordination, which can be challenging in resource-constrained settings.
The global health community has also called for increased investment in climate resilience to address the environmental factors driving cholera outbreaks. Flooding, in particular, has become a major concern, as rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns linked to climate change create conditions conducive to the spread of waterborne diseases. In countries like Chad, where seasonal flooding is a recurring issue, the lack of adequate drainage systems and flood defenses has left communities exposed to repeated outbreaks.
The cholera crisis is not only a health issue but also a humanitarian one, as it disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations. Refugees, internally displaced persons, and those living in informal settlements are at heightened risk due to overcrowding and limited access to clean water and healthcare. In many cases, these communities are also dealing with food insecurity, malnutrition, and other infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and illness.
International organizations, including the WHO, UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières, have been working to provide emergency relief to affected populations. This includes distributing oral rehydration salts, setting up temporary treatment centers, and training local health workers to manage cholera cases. However, the scale of the crisis has overwhelmed many of these efforts, and funding shortfalls have limited the ability to scale up interventions.
Abok underscored the importance of global solidarity in addressing the cholera crisis and other health emergencies in Africa. “We cannot tackle these challenges alone,” he said. “We need stronger partnerships, increased funding, and a commitment to addressing the underlying social and environmental determinants of health.” He called on donor countries, international organizations, and private sector partners to step up their support to help African nations build more resilient health systems.
The WHO has also emphasized the need for a coordinated, multisectoral approach to tackling cholera. This includes not only health interventions but also investments in education, infrastructure, and governance. For example, improving access to education can empower communities to adopt better hygiene practices, while investments in infrastructure can ensure long-term access to clean water and sanitation. Strengthening governance, meanwhile, is critical for ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that health systems are equipped to respond to crises.
As the cholera crisis continues to unfold, the WHO and its partners are racing against time to contain the disease and prevent further loss of life. The organization has warned that without urgent action, the number of cases and deaths could rise significantly in the coming months, particularly as the rainy season approaches in many parts of Africa. The combination of ongoing outbreaks, limited resources, and environmental challenges poses a formidable threat to public health.
The situation in Africa serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of health, environment, and social equity. Addressing the cholera crisis will require not only immediate medical interventions but also long-term investments in sustainable development. By prioritizing access to clean water, improving sanitation infrastructure, and building climate resilience, African nations and their global partners can work together to prevent future outbreaks and protect the health of millions.
In conclusion, the cholera epidemic sweeping across Africa in 2025 is a public health emergency that demands urgent attention. With over 4,200 deaths and 190,000 cases reported so far, the disease continues to exploit vulnerabilities in the continent’s health and sanitation systems. The WHO’s efforts to support treatment, vaccination, and prevention are critical, but the underlying causes of the crisis—poverty, conflict, and climate change—require sustained, collaborative action. As Africa confronts this and other health emergencies, the global community must rally to provide the resources and support needed to save lives and build a healthier, more resilient future.
