UN Reports Over 178,000 Cholera Cases in Eastern and Southern Africa Within 14 Months

Synopsis

From January 2024 to March 2025, more than 178,000 cholera cases have been confirmed across 16 countries in eastern and southern Africa, leading to approximately 2,900 deaths, according to UNICEF. Severe outbreaks have struck South Sudan and Angola, stressing the importance of improved access to safe water and sanitation.

Key Takeaways

Over 178,000 cholera cases reported.
Approximately 2,900 deaths, many involving children.
Major outbreaks in South Sudan and Angola.
Over 40,000 cases in South Sudan since September 2024.
UNICEF calls for improved water and sanitation access.

Nairobi, March 24 (NationPress) Over 178,000 cholera cases have been documented across 16 nations in eastern and southern Africa between January 2024 and March 2025, according to a statement from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issued on Monday.

This alarming statistic, exacerbated by inadequate access to water, sanitation, hygiene, and health services, has led to approximately 2,900 fatalities, many involving children, UNICEF reported.

UNICEF's Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, emphasized the necessity for unwavering commitment from governments, the private sector, and individuals who believe that every child is entitled to a future.

As per UNICEF, South Sudan and Angola are experiencing the most severe cholera outbreaks, with children under 15 accounting for 50% of cases in South Sudan and 40% in Angola, as noted by the Xinhua news agency.

In South Sudan, over 40,000 cases were reported from September 28, 2024, to March 18, 2025, resulting in 694 deaths nationwide, marking its worst outbreak in two decades.

Angola has reported more than 7,500 cases and 294 deaths across 14 provinces from January 7 to March 18, with a significant risk of further escalation.

The UN agency highlighted that nearly 120 million individuals, including 60 million children, are consuming unsafe water in eastern and southern Africa, with up to 22% of the population lacking access entirely.

Insufficient water, sanitation, and hygiene services have left 174 million people in the region without hygiene facilities at home, and at least 71 million individuals are practicing open defecation.

UNICEF stated, “These figures, alongside the escalating effects of climate shocks such as severe floods and droughts that have devastated critical infrastructure like water supply reservoirs and pipes, as well as depleted groundwater sources, pose an increasing risk to children.

Such conditions heighten the likelihood of disease outbreaks, including cholera, which is already prevalent in over half of the countries in the region.

UNICEF urged governments and stakeholders to prioritize adequate funding to establish resilient systems capable of enduring crises and ensuring ongoing access to safe water and sanitation.

The UN agency also called for governments to elevate political commitments to enhance access to safe water and sanitation for children and families in need.