Africa CDC warns of flooding-driven cholera spread, urges urgent WASH interventions

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has called for urgent support to countries battling cholera, mpox and Ebola.

It said climate change-driven flooding is worsening outbreaks and limiting humanitarian access.

Prof. Yap Boum, Deputy Incident Manager, Incident Management Support Team, Africa CDC, said this during a virtual press briefing on Thursday.

Speaking during a regional update, Boum said that while some countries were reporting declines in cholera cases, others remain of “critical concern,” particularly Chad, where the epidemic that began in a refugee camp in mid-July, has now spread to additional health zones.

He said current hotspots include Wadai and Sila districts.

Boum highlighted the need to scaled-up surveillance, cholera treatment centres and rehabilitation efforts.

“There is a strong correlation between flooding and cholera because it reduces access to clean water and hampers the ability of teams to reach affected populations,” he said.

He warned that climate change is intensifying health risks across the continent.

“South Sudan has reported stabilising cholera cases but continues to face persistent transmission in Juba, Terekeka, and parts of Upper Nile, linked to poor water, sanitation and drainage systems.

“Community misconceptions about cholera origins also persist, underscoring the need for stronger health communication,” he said.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Boum said that cholera cases were decreasing but deaths had risen compared to last week.

“South Kivu province now accounts for 60 per cent of new admissions, with the outbreak expanding into Uvira health zone. UNICEF and Africa CDC teams are deploying additional support in affected areas.” 

On mpox, Boum said several countries including Guinea; Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Kenya and Nigeria, continue to report increases, while others show signs of decline.

“Liberia will hold an intra-action review next week to strengthen its response with particular focus on surveillance, vaccination and cross-border coordination,” he said.

Meanwhile, Boum said that Ebola remains a concern in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting progress in contact tracing, targeted vaccination and preparedness in neighbouring Angola.

He also welcomed fresh commitments made on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where Gavi pledged to support 10 million doses of vaccine for mpox, and UNICEF promised to back key pillars of the continental response plan.

He said that sustainable financing, political support and stronger coordination are vital to protect African populations from ongoing and future outbreaks.