Cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo becomes the worst in 25 years

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has witnessed a severe outbreak of cholera, recording the worst case in 25 years, as the disease has infected thousands and the number of deaths has risen dramatically. – Major challenges in controlling the spread of the disease due to weak health infrastructure, lack of clean water, and population crowding in affected areas, which makes it more difficult to provide effective health care and limit the spread.

Health authorities have recorded 64,427 cases and 1,888 deaths since the beginning of this year. The infected include 41,818 children, of whom died. 340. 

 

The spread of this disease has cast a shadow on the lives of children, affecting their education and exposing them to illness and psychological disorder. 

 

In a tragic incident, 16 out of 62 children died within a few days in a group home in the capital, Kinshasa, after the disease spread in The facility.

 

UNICEF Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, John Agbor, said: UNICEF encourages government partners to increase investments in water, sanitation, hygiene and health services, especially in cholera-endemic areas.

 

17 out of 26 provinces have been affected by the disease, including the capital, Kinshasa. Children constitute about 23.4% of the cases recorded nationwide.

 

Poor access to water and health services remains one of the main factors for the spread of cholera, as the 2024-2025 Health and Population Survey indicates that only 43% of the population has access to basic water services, while access to basic sanitation does not exceed 15%, which is the lowest rate in Africa.

 

The crisis has been exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, displacement, and insecurity in the east of the country, limiting access to basic health services.

 

The Congolese government launched a multi-sectoral cholera eradication plan (PMSEC 2023–2027), with a proposed budget of $192 million, but it remains underfunded. Mid-term evaluations in May 2025 to increase investments and improve cross-sector coordination.

 

The government also launched the “Congo Without Cholera” initiative, which aims to address sanitation issues in river ports, teach sanitary practices to boat crews and passengers, and ensure access to safe drinking water along the Congo River.

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