Africa is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in a quarter of a century, reports Reuters citing the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
According to the agency, approximately 300,000 confirmed and suspected cases have been reported, along with over 7,000 deaths — a rise of more than 30% compared to last year.
The most significant increase in cases has been noted in Angola and Burundi, where the epidemic is exacerbated by limited access to safe drinking water. The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has somewhat stabilized, with a decrease in the total number of new cases. Improvements are also being observed in South Sudan and Somalia.
Cholera spreads rapidly in areas with inadequate water supply and sanitation systems, especially in overcrowded camps in conflict zones where risks remain high.
Africa CDC also reported eight suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever in Ethiopia, with test results pending, and mobile response teams have been deployed to contain a potential outbreak.
Simultaneously, a decline in Mpox (monkeypox) cases is noted across Africa, although risks remain significant in Kenya, Guinea, Liberia, and Ghana.