Home / Health / Africa Battles Worst Cholera Outbreak in 25 Years, Over 7,000 Dead
Africa Battles Worst Cholera Outbreak in 25 Years, Over 7,000 Dead
13 Nov
Summary
- Africa facing worst cholera outbreak in 25 years
- Over 300,000 cholera cases and 7,000 deaths recorded this year
- Outbreaks driven by conflict and poor water systems
As of November 13, 2025, Africa is facing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The continent has recorded around 300,000 cases of cholera and suspected cholera, resulting in more than 7,000 deaths so far this year.
The figures represent a more than 30% increase in total cases compared to the previous year. The outbreak has been particularly severe in conflict-stricken regions, where the disease spreads quickly in overcrowded camps with poor sanitation. Angola and Burundi have seen a surge in cases in recent weeks, driven by limited access to safe water.
While the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo appears to be improving, with a decline in total cases, the outlook remains concerning in other parts of the continent. The Africa CDC has also reported eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Ethiopia, and rapid response teams have been deployed to investigate the outbreak.
The Mpox outbreak, formerly known as monkeypox, is also a concern in several African countries, including Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, and Ghana, though the situation is improving in some of the worst-affected areas.
