Countries in Africa with the Highest Cholera Prevalence as of Early 2025 (Ranked Top 10)

In early 2025, Africa faced a significant challenge as cholera cases surged across the continent. Over 220,000 suspected cases were reported across 16 countries, according to the World Health Organization.

The highest concentrations of cases were reported in the eastern and central regions, with several countries experiencing outbreaks. Among the most affected countries were the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, and various countries in eastern and southern Africa, which collectively reported more than 200,000 cases and approximately 3,000 deaths.

In the DRC, key provinces such as South Kivu, North Kivu, Haut Katanga, Tshopo, Haut Lomami, Tanganyika, and Maniema reported a significant number of cases. Emergency health responses were initiated to address the shortages of clean water and sanitation, manage displaced populations, and establish treatment centers to reduce mortality rates.

Zimbabwe also reported 92 suspected cholera cases and 2 deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 2.2%. Most of the cases were reported in the Manicaland and Harare provinces.

Nigeria secured doses for a targeted oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaign in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs), set to begin in late 2025. The Angolan Ministry of Health, working with the Africa CDC and UNICEF, has launched emergency measures to address the cholera outbreak in Angola.

Togo reported 88 suspected cholera cases and 2 deaths in early 2025, with a case fatality rate of 2.3%. The cases in Togo were concentrated in the Maritime and Plateaux regions. Tanzania conducted targeted OCV vaccination campaigns in Mwanza and Pwani regions, while Uganda reported 108 suspected cholera cases and 1 death, giving a case fatality rate of 0.9%. Most of the cases in Uganda were detected in refugee-hosting districts in the West Nile sub-region.

South Sudan conducted a mass OCV vaccination campaign, reaching over 900,000 people by June 2025. The Ghana Health Service activated its National Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate the cholera outbreak response in Ghana. Ghana plans to introduce OCVs in high-risk coastal districts by the end of 2025.

Case fatality rates have dropped in several high-burden countries compared to 2024, due to faster detection, community-based treatment, and mass OCV campaigns. Over 10 million OCV doses have been administered across Africa in 2025, despite global supplies remaining limited.

In Tanzania, the Ministry of Health has coordinated a nationwide response through its National Cholera Task Force. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has led the response to the cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

The cholera outbreak in Africa continues to pose a significant public health challenge. However, with the ongoing efforts of various governments, international organisations, and health agencies, there is hope for a more controlled situation in the near future.

Countries in Africa with the Highest Cholera Prevalence as of Early 2025 (Ranked Top 10)