The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued an urgent call for international support following a sharp rise in cholera outbreaks in the Republic of Congo and Chad.
The agency is appealing for immediate deployment of oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) and emergency medical supplies to help curb the deadly spread of the disease.
Chief of staff at Africa CDC, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo raised the alarm during the agency’s weekly press briefing on Thursday. He described the situation in both countries as deeply concerning, citing high case fatality rates and overstretched healthcare systems as major challenges.
In the Republic of Congo, Ngongo reported that the outbreak has reached alarming levels, with a case fatality rate of 16.1 per cent – the highest recorded across Africa this year. As of July 26, the country had recorded 124 suspected cases, including two confirmed and 20 deaths. The outbreak is concentrated in Mbamou Island and Mossaka districts, which have been identified as major transmission hotspots.
“Inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, compounded by cross-border transmission risks, are fuelling this outbreak,” Ngongo stated. “Although the Ministry of Health, with support from Africa CDC, has deployed a rapid response team, the situation is critical due to the absence of oral cholera vaccines and a shortage of medical supplies.”
He emphasised the urgent need for cholera kits, tents, rehydration solutions and other essential resources, stressing that without these, the death toll could rise significantly.
In Chad, another cholera outbreak that began on July 13 is similarly raising concern. By July 25, the country had reported 49 suspected cases, with two confirmed infections and four deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 8.2 per cent. The epicentre of the outbreak is the Dougui refugee camp in Ouaddaï Province, which hosts over 93,000 refugees fleeing ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Ngongo highlighted the vulnerability of displaced populations, noting that 67 per cent of cholera cases in Chad were among individuals under 21 years old, with a majority being women. “The health system in these refugee camps is overwhelmed,” he said. “There is an immediate and pressing need for vaccines and expanded WASH services to prevent further transmission.”
Across the continent, Africa CDC reports that 23 African Union Member States have experienced cholera outbreaks in 2025, accounting for more than 205,000 cases and 4,222 deaths between January and July alone.
In response, Africa CDC is finalising an integrated continental response plan that addresses both cholera and Mpox outbreaks. This strategy aims to improve epidemic preparedness, emergency response capacity and health system resilience across Africa.
Ngongo called on governments, humanitarian organisations and global donors to adopt a coordinated, multisectoral approach. “This is not just a health emergency – it’s a crisis rooted in infrastructure deficits, displacement and inequality,” he said.
Cholera is a life-threatening diarrheal illness spread through contaminated water and food, especially in areas with poor sanitation. It can be prevented with clean water, good hygiene and timely vaccination.
