Cholera Outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa: UNICEF Reports Alarming Trends

UNICEF reports over 178,000 cholera cases in Eastern and Southern Africa since January 2024, resulting in nearly 2,900 fatalities, predominantly among children. South Sudan and Angola exhibit the worst outbreaks, with children constituting significant percentages of cases. The lack of safe water and sanitation remains a pressing concern, necessitating heightened funding and political commitment to enhance resilience amid ongoing climate-related challenges.

According to UNICEF, over 178,000 cholera cases have been confirmed across 16 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa from January 2024 to March 2025. The surge in cases, exacerbated by limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, has led to nearly 2,900 deaths. Many of the fatalities are children, illustrating the critical nature of safe water access as a fundamental human right.

UNICEF’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, expressed concern regarding the lack of access to clean water, stating, “Access to safe water is a fundamental need, vital for the survival and development of our children, and most importantly, a human right.” The entrenched water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges, particularly during extreme weather events, contribute immensely to the outbreak of cholera.

In South Sudan and Angola, children under 15 make up a significant proportion of cholera cases, with 50 percent in South Sudan and 40 percent in Angola. From September 2024 to March 2025, South Sudan reported over 40,000 cases—the worst outbreak in two decades—while Angola has confirmed over 7,500 cases since January 2025. This alarming trend indicates a potential for further escalation without intervention.

Data from 2022 reveals that nearly 120 million people, including 60 million children, are consuming unsafe water in the region, with around 22 percent lacking any access. Furthermore, 174 million individuals lack proper hygiene facilities and at least 71 million still practice open defecation. Climate shocks further deteriorate the situation, damaging infrastructure and exacerbating public health risks.

Inadequate sanitation can hinder children’s educational opportunities and significantly affect girls, who often are responsible for water collection. To combat these challenges, UNICEF collaborates with various partners to provide clean water, reliable sanitation, and promote hygiene practices to safeguard children from disease.

This World Water Day, UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to improving conditions for children in humanitarian contexts, highlighting the critical need for increased funding to sustain interventions. UNICEF calls upon governments and stakeholders to prioritize funding for resilient systems, political commitments to improve access to water, and enhanced investments in climate resilience.

Kadilli noted, “Investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure is crucial for child wellbeing and offers significant cost savings.” She added that sustained efforts are necessary to protect the advancements made for children, admonishing that partnerships with governments and private sectors remain vital for progress.

In conclusion, the cholera outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa underscores a critical public health crisis exacerbated by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services. With children disproportionately affected, there is an urgent need for comprehensive strategies addressing these issues, including increased funding and political commitment. UNICEF’s collaboration with stakeholders aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation, which are essential for the health and wellness of children in the region.

Original Source: reliefweb.int