A cholera outbreak in Angola has claimed at least 108 lives since early January, the country’s health ministry announced, with officials grappling to contain the spread of the deadly disease.
The ministry reported that 3,147 confirmed cases of cholera have been detected as of February 10, with nearly half originating in the capital, Luanda. Among the fatalities, Luanda recorded 48 deaths, while the neighboring province of Bengo registered 43. Victims range in age from two to 100 years old, highlighting the widespread reach of the epidemic.
Cholera, an acute bacterial infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, triggers severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, it can lead to death within hours. Though Angola has faced cholera outbreaks before, the current surge is among the deadliest in recent years.
The outbreak’s epicenter appears to be urban slums and informal settlements in Luanda, where limited access to clean water and proper sanitation has exacerbated the situation. Health officials are racing to deploy oral rehydration therapies and antibiotics to treatment centers as efforts to halt the spread continue.
“Rapid response measures are underway, including awareness campaigns on hygiene practices and increasing access to clean water,” the health ministry said in a statement.
According to global data from the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera deaths surged by 71% worldwide in 2023 compared to the previous year. Although cases declined by 32% in regions such as the Middle East and Asia, Africa saw a staggering 125% increase, underscoring the continent’s heightened vulnerability to the disease.
WHO representatives have called for urgent international assistance to support Angola’s health infrastructure, warning that inadequate containment measures could lead to further fatalities and regional spillover.
Despite the grim toll, health officials maintain that cholera is treatable and preventable with adequate sanitation measures. “Prevention hinges on safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. This outbreak underscores the importance of sustained investment in Angola’s public health systems,” a health ministry spokesperson said.
As the country battles the outbreak, the Angolan government is appealing for both national solidarity and international aid to mitigate the crisis and save lives.
