Africa’s Cholera toll rises: worst outbreak since 2000 – CDC warns

By: ThinkBusiness Africa

Africa is grappling with its most severe cholera outbreak in a quarter of a century with over 300,000 confirmed cases, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Thursday. The health crisis is driven by a dangerous confluence of fragile water systems and escalating regional conflicts, which prevent effective disease control.

According to Africa CDC approximately 300,000 cases (confirmed and suspected) have been recorded across multiple African Union Member States. The death toll has surpassed 7,000 fatalities. These figures represent more than 30% increase in total cases compared to the previous year, demonstrating the current outbreak’s explosive trajectory.

Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is worryingly high in certain regions, far exceeding the WHO’s acceptable threshold of 1% for cholera. Africa CDC

Angola’s CFR is particularly alarming at 2.6%,

The oil-rich South African country is experiencing a recent surge, characterized by an exponential second wave. The primary driver identified is poor access to safe water and sanitation.

As of October 28, 2025, Angola had reported a total of 33,146 cholera cases and 859 deaths since the outbreak began in January 2025.

Similar to Angola, Burundi is facing a recent surge in cases. The crisis here is also primarily driven by poor access to safe water and sanitation.

Africa CDC emphasized that Conflict-Stricken Areas are marked by high concern, as the disease remains active and is spreading rapidly. The key factor is the creation of ideal conditions in overcrowded displacement camps and poor sanitation due to instability.

DR Congo, South Sudan, Sudan: While these nations have historically carried a high cholera burden and have noted declines in recent weeks, the risk remains substantial. The core causes in these states are conflict, mass displacement, and collapsed health infrastructure.

The vast scale and simultaneous nature of the outbreaks across the continent are severely straining humanitarian and public health resources.