Africa is witnessing its most severe cholera outbreak in a quarter of a century, with fragile water systems and ongoing conflicts accelerating the spread of the disease. According to the Africa CDC, the continent has recorded nearly 300,000 cases and more than 7,000 deaths, marking one of the most serious public health emergencies in recent years.
Health authorities warn that the outbreak is intensifying in regions where clean water is scarce. Angola and Burundi have reported sharp increases in infections as limited access to safe drinking water and inadequate sanitation continue to fuel transmission. In many communities, damaged pipelines, contaminated sources and overcrowded settlements are forcing residents to rely on unsafe water, giving cholera the conditions it needs to spread rapidly.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has seen signs of improvement, yet the broader outlook remains troubling. In conflict-prone areas across several countries, health workers struggle to reach affected populations, and disruptions in supply chains have slowed delivery of essential medical support.
Beyond cholera, other health concerns are emerging across the region. Ethiopia is currently investigating eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever, raising additional alarms for public health agencies. Meanwhile, the Mpox outbreak continues to affect multiple nations, adding pressure to already strained healthcare systems.
Experts say that the combination of weak water infrastructure, ongoing conflict and climate-related pressures is making disease control increasingly difficult. Rapid response teams are working across affected regions, but the scale of the outbreak underscores the urgent need for long-term investments in water, sanitation and public health preparedness.
As countries race to contain new waves of infection, officials warn that without swift action, the crisis could deepen further in the coming months.