Angola’s Cholera Crisis Deepens: 12 Deaths in 24 Hours, Over 10,000 Infected
Angola’s cholera crisis continues to deepen, with 12 new deaths and more than 250 fresh cases reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections since January 2025 to 12,193 and the overall death toll to 465. The Ministry of Health confirmed the latest figures on Sunday, expressing growing concern over the rapid spread of the disease across the country.
Seventeen of Angola’s 21 provinces have now reported new cases, with Benguela province recording the highest number of both new infections and deaths in the last 24 hours — 97 new cases and nine fatalities. The current hospitalization count stands at 1,181, while 172 patients have been discharged in the same time period.
The outbreak, first identified in the capital city Luanda, has accelerated amid the ongoing rainy season and significant cross-border movement. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Angola had reported 8,543 cases and 329 deaths by March 23, with the fatality rate reaching 3.9%. One-third of the deaths have occurred outside of health facilities, underscoring the severity of the outbreak and the urgent need for timely medical intervention.
The disease has impacted individuals of all age groups, although those under 20 years old remain the most affected demographic. Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae, can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration. While most infections are mild and treatable with oral rehydration therapy, the speed and extent of transmission depend heavily on sanitation, water access, and healthcare response.
In response to the outbreak, the Angolan Ministry of Health, supported by WHO, UNICEF, and other international partners, has launched a multi-faceted response. Cholera treatment centers (CTCs) and oral rehydration points (ORPs) are being set up in high-risk provinces like Bengo. WHO has provided technical guidance and clinical training to local health workers to improve case management and reduce fatalities.
UNICEF is supporting water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives by distributing hygiene kits to more than 64,500 children in 63 schools. Additionally, water tanks are being installed in affected communities to ensure access to safe drinking water — a critical step in preventing the further spread of the disease.
In January 2025, a five-day emergency vaccination campaign was carried out, reaching over 900,000 people with a 99.5% coverage rate. This effort, coordinated by the Ministry of Health along with WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, aims to curb the outbreak’s expansion and protect vulnerable populations.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains highly volatile. With the rainy season ongoing and the risk of cross-border transmission, WHO has classified the risk of further spread within Angola and neighboring countries as “very high.” Authorities continue to urge residents to observe strict hygiene practices, seek prompt treatment, and avoid consuming untreated water.
The outbreak is a stark reminder of the pressing need for long-term investments in clean water infrastructure and public health systems. As Angola confronts this public health emergency, continued international support and public cooperation will be crucial to controlling and eventually ending the crisis.
What is cholera epidemiology ?
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is primarily associated with poor sanitation and limited access to safe water. The disease can cause severe acute watery diarrhea, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The speed of spread depends on exposure levels, population vulnerability, and environmental conditions. Cholera affects both children and adults and can be fatal if left untreated.
News Cover: [AmiyaPranay N.B Harichandan]
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