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Cholera

Cholera Outbreak in DRC Reaches Acute Phase, Compounded by Mpox Resurgence and Strike by Health Workers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a severe health crisis as a cholera outbreak reaches its acute phase, with over 33,000 cases reported since January and a case fatality rate approaching two percent. The outbreak has spread to 17 of the country's 26 provinces, with newly affected areas including Kwilu, Mai-Ndombe, and Mongala provinces. The situation is further exacerbated by the resurgence of mpox, with the DRC accounting for 60 percent of confirmed cases and 40 percent of reported deaths worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 33,000 cases of cholera have been reported nationwide since January, surpassing the 31,749 cases recorded in 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • The cholera outbreak has reached its acute phase, with new cases emerging every week, often accompanied by deaths.
  • The disease has spread to 17 of the country's 26 provinces, up from 14 reported by the government a day earlier.
  • Kinshasa is among the hardest-hit areas, with confirmed or suspected cases identified in 27 of its 35 health zones, and every week, some 130 new cases emerge.
  • Health authorities have had to reroute medical supplies through Kalemie, a town on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika, more than 300 km south of Uvira, due to ongoing armed conflict.
  • The Tshopo province has been flagged as one of the initial epicenters of the outbreak, largely due to poor sanitation along rivers and open defecation in port areas.
  • The country is concurrently battling a resurgence of mpox, with over 37,000 confirmed cases reported worldwide since early 2024, and between 2,000 and 3,000 suspected cases reported weekly.
  • Members of the Free Doctors' Union (SYLIMED) have declared a nationwide strike starting Friday, citing the Congolese government's failure to honor past commitments.

Statistics:

  • Over 33,000 cases of cholera reported nationwide since January.
  • Case fatality rate approaching two percent.
  • 17 of the country's 26 provinces affected by cholera.
  • 27 health zones in Kinshasa reported confirmed or suspected cholera cases.
  • New cholera cases emerging every week, with accompanying deaths.
  • 130 new cholera cases reported every week in Kinshasa.
  • 60 percent of confirmed mpox cases worldwide reported in the DRC.
  • 40 percent of reported mpox deaths worldwide reported in the DRC.
  • Over 37,000 confirmed mpox cases reported worldwide since early 2024.
  • Between 2,000 and 3,000 suspected mpox cases reported weekly in the DRC.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Xinhua News Agency
  • COMTEX_467227722/2084/2025-07-11T10:30:12
  • Health Minister Roger Kamba
  • Secretary-General of the Free Doctors' Union (SYLIMED), Andre Kasongo

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