Angola cholera outbreak death toll tops 300
In a follow-up on the cholera outbreak in Angola, the outbreak declared on January 7 has grown to a cumulative total of 8543 cholera cases, including 329 deaths (CFR 3.9%) as of March 23.
Officials say the high CFR of 3.9% highlights critical challenges, including late case presentation, gaps in surveillance and early response, inadequate healthcare capacity, and barriers to accessing life-saving treatment, particularly in underserved areas.
After seeing a plateau and decline in cases for a period, the number of cases has increased again, reaching 1200 cases in the most recent week, the highest weekly total to date.
The outbreak has rapidly spread to 16 out of Angola’s 21 provinces, affecting individuals of all age groups, with the highest burden among those under 20 years old.
The highest number of cases reported from Luanda (4143; 48.5%) and Bengo (2485; 29.1%) provinces.
Angola has faced recurrent cholera outbreaks since the 1970s, with major surges in 1987 (16,000 cases, 1460 deaths) and 2006 (over 67,000 cases, 2700 deaths). After annual outbreaks from 1987 to 1996, cholera re-emerged in 2006 following a decade-long absence. Since then, periodic outbreaks—often linked to cholera activity in the adjacent Democratic Republic of the Congo, and worsened by poor water and sanitation—have occurred, notably in 2011–2013 and 2016–2018, with peaks during the rainy season​.
Cholera: A significant global health concern
Since 2021, there has been an increase in cholera cases and their geographical spread globally. Between 1 January and 23 March 2025, a total of 93 172 cases and 1197 deaths were reported across 24 countries spanning three WHO regions, with the African Region recording the highest numbers (55 622 cases from 18 countries).
Given the ongoing outbreak, the rainy season, and Angola’s proximity to cholera-affected countries, the risk of further spread within Angola and to neighboring countries is considered very high. Cholera transmission may escalate without effective public health measures, including WASH improvements, and vaccination campaigns. The risk remains elevated nationally and regionally due to the interconnectedness of populations and the seasonal conditions that facilitate the spread of waterborne diseases.
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