UNICEF Reports Alarming Cholera Cases in Eastern and Southern Africa

UNICEF reports over 178,000 cholera cases in Eastern and Southern Africa from January 2024 to March 2025, resulting in nearly 2,900 deaths, many of whom are children. The crisis is exacerbated by inadequate access to water and sanitation, particularly impacting South Sudan and Angola. UNICEF calls for increased funding and political commitment to improve conditions and safeguard children’s health.

From January 2024 to March 2025, over 178,000 cholera cases have been confirmed across 16 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, as reported by UNICEF. This alarming statistic has led to nearly 2,900 deaths, with a significant number of fatalities being children. The ongoing crisis is exacerbated by inadequate access to water, sanitation, and health services, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements in these essential areas.

UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, highlighted the critical aspect of safe water access, stating, “Access to safe water is a fundamental need…a human right.” Kadilli elaborated on the devastating consequences for communities lacking sufficient water, sanitation, and hygiene services, particularly during periods of drought and flooding.

The cholera outbreak has been particularly severe in South Sudan and Angola. In South Sudan, children under 15 constitute 50% of reported cases, with over 40,000 cases and 694 deaths recorded from September 2024 to March 2025 – marking the worst cholera outbreak in 20 years. Angola is also facing a crisis, reporting over 7,500 cases and 294 deaths across 14 provinces within a similar timeframe, raising concerns about potential escalation.

Recent data indicated that nearly 120 million people, including 60 million children, in Eastern and Southern Africa consume unsafe water, with 22% of the population lacking access altogether. Furthermore, 174 million individuals live without adequate hygiene facilities at home, and 71 million practice open defecation. These conditions, coupled with climate-related disasters that damage critical infrastructure, significantly heighten the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly cholera.

Unsafe drinking water contributes to infections and diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid, leading to fatalities. Inadequate sanitation also impacts children’s education, especially girls, who face additional barriers during menstruation when attending school. The burden of water collection often falls on young girls, further exacerbating gender inequality in the region.

UNICEF collaborates with various partners, including governments and civil society, to enhance access to clean water and sanitation and to promote hygiene practices that protect children’s health. On World Water Day, UNICEF reaffirms its dedication to supporting children in humanitarian crises, emphasizing that reduced funding exacerbates child survival challenges.

UNICEF urges regional governments and stakeholders to prioritize several key areas:
1. Ensure adequate funding to establish resilient systems for safe water and sanitation.
2. Secure political commitments to improve access for vulnerable children and families.
3. Increase investments in climate adaptation to bolster essential social services.
4. Enhance capacity in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector to respond to emergencies effectively.

Kadilli added, “Investing in climate-resilient WASH infrastructure is crucial for child wellbeing… We need the continued commitment of governments, the private sector, and individuals who believe that every child deserves a future.” This commitment is essential to prevent the loss of progress in water and sanitation services for future generations.

The cholera outbreak in Eastern and Southern Africa has starkly highlighted the critical need for immediate interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene services. With over 178,000 confirmed cases and nearly 2,900 deaths, particularly among children, the region faces a significant health crisis that demands urgent action from governments and stakeholders. A long-term investment in resilient infrastructure and adequate funding is imperative to ensure children’s health and well-being are safeguarded against future threats.

Original Source: reliefweb.int