In 2024, Africa has been grappling with a devastating cholera epidemic, which has claimed the lives of 3,747 people across the continent. The outbreak has been particularly severe in Sudan, which leads the tally with 924 fatalities. As the epidemic continues to spread, countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan are also facing alarming rates of infection and death.
According to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the outbreak has affected at least 20 African Union (AU) member states, with a staggering 235,387 confirmed, suspected, or probable cases of cholera. The disease has particularly hit regions with strained healthcare systems and ongoing humanitarian crises, exacerbating the already fragile conditions in these areas.
Sudan has been at the epicenter of the epidemic, with cases steadily rising since the outbreak began in July 2023. The country has reported a total of 51,615 cholera cases, resulting in 924 deaths, giving a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.8%. The protracted outbreak in Sudan is deeply intertwined with the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis, making it extremely difficult to manage the spread of the disease effectively. With many communities lacking access to clean water and sanitation, the cholera bacteria thrive in unsanitary conditions, further complicating efforts to contain the disease.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has seen 30,373 cholera cases and 415 deaths, follows closely behind Sudan in the number of fatalities. The DRC has long been a hotspot for cholera outbreaks, and the country’s vast and often inaccessible regions make it challenging to deliver aid and medical assistance.
South Sudan is another country facing severe cholera outbreaks, with a rising death toll and widespread cases in many parts of the country. While health organizations continue to deliver essential services, the ongoing conflict and displacement of populations only serve to increase vulnerability to diseases like cholera.
While Sudan, DRC, and South Sudan have seen the most significant outbreaks, other African nations are not immune. Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have all reported cases, with Mozambique’s Nampula province experiencing a particularly high case fatality rate of 7.4%.
In Ghana, the situation appears to be improving, as new cases have declined. However, in countries like Mozambique, where the outbreak remains rampant, health workers continue to battle the disease with limited resources.
The cholera epidemic is exacerbated by a global shortage of cholera vaccines, which has hindered efforts to curb the spread of the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new oral cholera vaccine, but distribution challenges continue to impede timely access to vaccines in affected regions.
Cholera is a waterborne disease that spreads rapidly when people consume contaminated food or water. The illness causes severe diarrhea, leading to dehydration and, if left untreated, death. In response to the crisis, health officials emphasize the importance of water, hygiene, and sanitation interventions.
Simple yet effective measures like boiling or treating drinking water, practicing proper hand hygiene with soap and clean water, and avoiding unsafe street food can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Communities must also work together to maintain safe public water sources and ensure proper waste disposal to prevent contamination.
The Africa CDC continues to urge AU member states to strengthen their surveillance systems and improve case management to address the cholera epidemic. Ministries of health across the continent are also focusing on public health campaigns to educate communities on the importance of sanitation and hygiene.
The road ahead is long, but with urgent intervention, the spread of cholera can be contained. However, addressing the root causes of outbreaks, such as inadequate access to clean water and sanitation, will be crucial in the fight against cholera in Africa. In the face of this epidemic, the continent’s collective effort and resilience are essential to mitigate the devastating impact of the disease on affected communities.
