• Africa is facing its worst cholera outbreak in 25 years, with over 300,000 cases recorded.
• Countries like Angola and Burundi are experiencing significant spikes in cholera infections.
• Access to clean water and ongoing conflicts are major contributors to the outbreak's severity.
• The Africa CDC blames poor water infrastructure for the rising cases and deaths.
• Efforts are underway to improve response plans, particularly in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Africa is grappling with its most tremendous cholera outbreak in a quarter of a century, as confirmed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The agency reported over 300,000 confirmed and suspected cases this year, along with more than 7,000 deaths, marking a rise of over 30% compared to last year. The cholera outbreak is particularly severe in Angola and Burundi, where poor water infrastructure has exacerbated the situation, leading to high transmission rates. “Cholera is still a major issue,” stated Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya. These recent figures reflect ongoing challenges in disease management across the continent, according to Al Jazeera, AA, and Africanews.

The Africa CDC attributes the worsening outbreak to a combination of factors, including insecurity, population displacement, and a lack of safe drinking water. “Without clean water, we cannot really control the outbreak,” Kaseya emphasized. Additionally, the outbreak is noted to be more aggressive in conflict-affected regions, which are characterized by overcrowded camps and inadequate sanitation, leading to further transmission of cholera bacteria. The organization is urging for the full implementation of the cholera response plan initiated recently, particularly one launched in Zambia, according to Al Jazeera, AA, and Africanews.

While some regions, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, have shown a decline in cases due to better public health interventions, the outbreak in countries like Sudan has also proven to be severe, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and infrastructure challenges. Health officials highlight the need for comprehensive strategies, including vaccination drives and improved surveillance, to address the root causes of the outbreak. “We need to fully operationalize the cholera response plan,” Kaseya reiterated, highlighting the urgency of the situation, according to Al Jazeera, AA, and Africanews.