Angola Grapples with Severe Cholera Outbreak Amid Flooding Crisis

Angola faces a cholera outbreak that began on January 7, 2025, in Bairro Paraíso, with 25 suspected cases and five deaths. By late April, reported cases soared to 16,719, with 558 fatalities. The Ministry of Health has initiated a national response plan amid ongoing efforts to control the situation, aggravated by flooding.

Angola is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak exacerbated by severe flooding. The initial incident unfolded in Bairro Paraíso, located in the Municipality of Cacuaco, Luanda Province, with reports of 25 suspected cholera cases on January 7, 2025. Tragically, five individuals succumbed to the illness. By January 8, this number escalated to over 30 suspected cases, prompting urgent action.

In response to this alarming situation, the Ministry of Health convened on January 8 to initiate the 2025 National Response Plan to control the cholera epidemic. The government has called upon various partners, including the Angola Red Cross, to lend their support in executing this plan. Despite these efforts, the cholera crisis has continued to worsen.

As of April 29, 2025, the number of reported cholera cases surged to a staggering 16,719, with fatalities reaching 558 individuals. This has resulted in a Case Fatality Rate of 3.3%, indicating a severe level of risk associated with the illness. Compounding these complications is the fact that 17 provinces are presently reporting active cases, highlighting the widespread nature of the outbreak and the urgent need for an effective response.

In summary, Angola’s cholera outbreak is escalating, with reports indicating over 16,700 cases and significant mortality. The Ministry of Health’s National Response Plan aims to mitigate this crisis, yet the situation remains dire with active cases across multiple provinces. Continued support and action from local and international partners will be crucial in combating the cholera epidemic and saving lives.

Original Source: reliefweb.int