Africa is battling its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Thursday, blaming the surge on weak water systems and conflict across several regions.
The agency reported more than 300,000 cholera and suspected cholera cases and over 7,000 deaths, a jump of more than 30% from last year.
Countries like Angola and Burundi have recorded sharp rises in infections as many communities struggle to access safe drinking water.
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Cholera spreads quickly in areas with poor sewage systems and contaminated water sources.
There is some progress: cases are now falling in Congo, and improvements have been recorded in South Sudan and Somalia. But conflict-hit areas remain at high risk as crowded camps with poor sanitation continue to fuel transmission.
Elsewhere, Ethiopian authorities have detected eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever and are awaiting lab confirmation, while rapid response teams work to contain the threat.
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The Africa CDC also noted that although Mpox cases are declining in some of the hardest-hit countries, the virus still poses risks in Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, and Ghana.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
