The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised the alarm over worsening cholera outbreaks in the Republic of Congo and Chad, calling for urgent international assistance in the form of vaccines and emergency health interventions.

Speaking during a webinar on Thursday, Dr Ngashi Ngongo, Chief of Staff at Africa CDC, stressed the need for rapid and coordinated efforts to curb the spread and prevent further loss of life.

According to Ngongo, the Republic of Congo is currently grappling with a deadly cholera outbreak, registering a case fatality rate (CFR) of 16.1 percent—among the highest in Africa in 2025.

“As of 26 July 2025, the country had recorded 124 suspected cases, 2 confirmed, and 20 deaths, mainly concentrated in Mbamou Island and Mossaka districts,” he said.

He attributed the high transmission rate to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, as well as cross-border movement.

“While a SURGE team has been deployed with Africa CDC’s support, critical shortages in oral cholera vaccines (OCV) and essential medical supplies remain.

“The high mortality rate is deeply concerning. We urgently need vaccines, cholera kits, tents, and rehydration solutions,” Ngongo added.

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Turning to Chad, Ngongo said the country has been battling an outbreak since 13 July, with 49 suspected cases, 2 confirmed, and 4 deaths recorded by 25 July, representing a CFR of 8.2 percent.

He revealed that the epicentre of the outbreak is the Dougui refugee camp in Ouaddaï Province, which is currently home to over 93,000 Sudanese refugees.

Most of the affected individuals are women and persons under 21, placing additional strain on already overstretched healthcare services in the camp.

Ngongo emphasised the need for urgent vaccine deployment and significant WASH improvements, especially in high-risk and displaced populations.

“So far in 2025, 23 African Union member states have reported cholera outbreaks, with over 205,000 cases and 4,222 deaths recorded between January and July.”

He added that Africa CDC is finalising a continental response plan targeting both cholera and Mpox, with the aim of enhancing epidemic preparedness and response capacity across the continent.

Ngongo appealed to national governments and global health partners to act swiftly:

“This is not just a health emergency; it’s a crisis of infrastructure, displacement, and inequality.”

Cholera is a waterborne bacterial disease that spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

It is preventable through access to clean water, improved hygiene, and vaccination.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is similar to smallpox and spreads through close contact.

It can be controlled with vaccines, early detection, and good hygiene practices. (VON)