Has Africa's Cholera Death Toll Exceeded 6,700 in 2025?
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Synopsis
Cholera outbreaks in Africa have surged alarmingly, with over 6,700 deaths reported in 2025 alone. The Africa CDC highlights the urgent need for improved sanitation and health systems to combat this escalating crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Cholera death toll in Africa exceeds 6,700
- Over 294,000 cholera cases reported in 2025
- 23 African countries currently affected
- South Sudan and Sudan among the hardest hit
- Increased focus needed on sanitation and health systems
Addis Ababa, Oct 24 (NationPress) The number of deaths resulting from the ongoing cholera outbreaks across Africa has now exceeded 6,700 this year, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
In an online media briefing, Yap Boum II, Deputy Incident Manager for mpox at the Africa CDC, revealed that the continent has recorded 6,795 cholera-related deaths since the beginning of 2025, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Data from the African Union's specialized public health agency indicates that 23 African nations have reported 294,244 cholera cases this year, resulting in a higher case fatality rate of 2.3 percent compared to previous years.
The Africa CDC noted that both the number of cholera-affected countries and reported deaths in 2025 have already surpassed last year's statistics.
"We continue to observe a swift rise in cholera cases. When comparing 2022 to 2025, which is still ongoing, we can see that the numbers of cases and deaths have nearly tripled, highlighting the increasing prevalence of cholera over the years," Boum stated.
According to the agency, South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola are among the countries most severely impacted.
Pointing out cholera as one of Africa's significant public health challenges, Boum also mentioned mpox and measles as other major health issues on the continent.
Since early 2024, approximately 30 African countries have recorded over 202,900 mpox cases and 2,086 related deaths, with a case fatality rate around 1 percent, according to Africa CDC data.
The continent has also documented 127,002 measles cases and 1,086 fatalities thus far in 2025, impacting 20 countries.
The agency attributes ongoing cholera outbreaks primarily to insufficient access to clean water and sanitation, worsened by strained health systems and simultaneous public health crises.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness caused by consuming contaminated food or water, can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if left untreated.
Point of View
It is imperative that we remain focused on the ongoing public health crisis in Africa. The rising cholera death toll is a clarion call for action. It emphasizes the dire need for improved sanitation, clean water access, and robust healthcare systems. Our commitment should always lean toward supporting initiatives that address these critical issues.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current cholera death toll in Africa?
The current cholera death toll in Africa has surpassed 6,700 in 2025.
Which countries are most affected by cholera?
The most affected countries include South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola.
What are the main causes of cholera outbreaks?
Inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, along with strained health systems, are the primary causes of cholera outbreaks.
What is the case fatality rate for cholera in 2025?
The case fatality rate for cholera in 2025 is approximately 2.3 percent.
How can cholera be prevented?
Cholera can be prevented through improved sanitation, access to clean water, and public health initiatives.
