UNICEF Reports Alarming Cholera Outbreaks in Eastern and Southern Africa

UNICEF reports over 178,000 cholera cases in Eastern and Southern Africa, mainly affecting children due to inadequate water and sanitation services. Major outbreaks in South Sudan and Angola have resulted in thousands of deaths. The organization calls for increased funding and political commitment to improve water access and resilience against future crises.

UNICEF reported that over 178,000 cholera cases have been confirmed in 16 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa from January 2024 to March 2025, with severe outbreaks in South Sudan and Angola. Limited access to necessary water, sanitation, hygiene, and health services has been cited as a contributing factor, resulting in nearly 2,900 deaths, predominantly among children.

Cholera has particularly impacted children, comprising 50% of cases in South Sudan and 40% in Angola. The cholera situation in South Sudan has been alarming, with over 40,000 cases and 694 deaths reported between September 2024 and March 2025, marking the worst outbreak in two decades. Angola has also faced serious challenges with over 7,500 cases and 294 deaths from January to March 2025.

The 2022 data illustrates a concerning scenario where nearly 120 million individuals, including 60 million children, are consuming unsafe drinking water in the region. A staggering 174 million individuals lack adequate hygiene facilities at home, with 71 million engaging in open defecation. Such dire statistics exacerbate the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, especially during extreme weather events.

Unsafe water consumption can lead to serious infections and waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid, potentially fatal and detrimental to children’s health and educational opportunities. Water shortages disproportionately affect girls, who are often tasked with water collection.

UNICEF collaborates with various partners to enhance access to clean water and sanitation, emphasizing basic hygiene practices that safeguard children from infectious diseases. On this World Water Day, UNICEF reiterates its commitment to children in humanitarian circumstances, urging improved funding and political commitments for better water access.

To address these challenges, UNICEF calls for additional funding to develop resilient systems, high-level political commitments to enhance water and sanitation access, investments in climate change adaptation, and increased capacity in the water, sanitation and hygiene sectors to manage emergencies effectively. “Investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure is crucial for child well-being… We need the continued commitment of governments, the private sector, and individuals who believe that every child deserves a future,” stated Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.

In conclusion, the ongoing cholera outbreaks in Eastern and Southern Africa underline the urgent need for improved water, sanitation, and hygiene services. UNICEF’s efforts, coupled with widespread political and financial support, are crucial to ensuring safe water access and protecting children’s health, thus preventing further outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.

The cholera crisis in Eastern and Southern Africa necessitates immediate intervention to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene services. With a grave impact on children’s health and survival, efforts must be bolstered through funding, political commitments, and community-based initiatives. Comprehensive solutions are essential to address the vulnerabilities exposed by climate shocks and ensure every child has access to safe water and sanitation.

Original Source: reliefweb.int