As of early February 2025, Angola has seen an alarming rise in suspected cholera cases, with the Ministry of Health reporting 1,584 cases across eight provinces since the start of the year. Tragically, the outbreak has already led to 59 confirmed deaths, with many provinces now grappling with the urgent need for medical intervention and public health measures.
The provinces most affected by the cholera outbreak are Luanda, Icolo e Bengo, Bengo, Malanje, Huambo, Huíla, Cuanza-Norte, and Zaire. Of the reported cases, Luanda alone accounts for the majority, with 970 suspected cases. Other provinces, such as Bengo (351), Icolo e Bengo (250), and smaller numbers in Huambo, Malanje, Zaire, Huíla, and Cuanza-Norte, have also seen significant case numbers.
Cholera, a highly contagious waterborne disease, poses a particular risk to vulnerable populations, and children are proving to be especially susceptible. The youngest age group, those aged between two and five years, have been most affected, with 252 cases and 10 related deaths. Children aged 10 to 14 years also account for a substantial portion of the cases, with 203 individuals infected and four fatalities.
In response to the surge in cases, health officials are closely monitoring the situation, with a reported 209 individuals currently hospitalized with suspected cholera. Hospitals and health centers are overwhelmed, especially in the most affected provinces, where local healthcare systems are struggling to keep up with the demands for medical attention and treatment.
The majority of the deaths have been recorded in the provinces of Luanda, Bengo, and Icolo e Bengo, with 37, 15, and 7 deaths, respectively. Cholera’s rapid spread highlights the ongoing challenges Angola faces in addressing sanitation and clean water access, particularly in rural areas where the disease is most prevalent.
The Ministry of Health has issued a call to action, urging citizens to take precautionary measures to limit the spread of cholera. The government is focusing on improving access to clean water, as well as raising awareness about the importance of hygiene, safe food handling, and proper sanitation. The cholera outbreak serves as a reminder of the vital role that public health infrastructure plays in preventing the spread of disease.
Recent data from the Epidemiological Surveillance System recorded an additional 125 cases of suspected cholera in the last 24 hours, with the majority of new cases reported in Bengo (76), followed by Luanda (37) and Icolo e Bengo (12). Tragically, two more deaths were reported in Bengo province during this period.
Efforts are underway to contain the disease through increased testing, medical interventions, and improved public health communication. The government and various humanitarian organizations are also collaborating to ensure the provision of medical supplies, clean water, and hygiene education to the affected communities.
As Angola continues to battle the cholera outbreak, it is clear that a coordinated and swift response is crucial to saving lives and preventing further spread of the disease. However, the situation underscores the urgent need for improved public health infrastructure and long-term solutions to the challenges of sanitation and clean water access in the country.
As the outbreak progresses, the Ministry of Health remains committed to addressing the immediate crisis while working on long-term solutions to safeguard public health. In the face of this ongoing challenge, the hope is that greater public awareness, community action, and support from international organizations will help contain the outbreak and ultimately reduce its devastating impact.
