The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has revealed that more than 6,700 people have died from cholera outbreaks across the continent since the start of 2025 — the highest toll in years.
During an online media briefing on Thursday, Yap Boum II, Deputy Incident Manager for Mpox at the Africa CDC, said the continent has recorded 6,795 deaths and 294,244 cases across 23 countries this year. The disease currently has a case fatality rate of 2.3%, higher than previous years.
“The rapid rise in cholera cases is alarming. Compared to 2022, we have almost tripled both the number of infections and deaths, and the year isn’t even over,” Boum said.
According to Africa CDC data, the 2025 figures have already surpassed those of 2024, when 20 countries reported 254,075 cases and 4,725 deaths with a 1.9% fatality rate.
The most affected nations include South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Angola.
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South Sudan has reported 75,649 cases and 1,240 deaths.
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Sudan recorded 70,371 cases and 1,942 deaths, the highest fatality count.
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DRC has logged 58,710 cases and 1,747 deaths.
Health experts warn that persistent conflict, poor sanitation and limited access to clean water continue to fuel outbreaks across vulnerable communities.
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