Since January 2025, Angola has been grappling with one of its most severe cholera outbreaks in decades, with over 27,000 reported cases and more than 760 deaths. These figures represent real human suffering—families and communities struggling for survival. Stories like that of Maria, a mother from Cuanza Sul who carried her twin children in search of treatment, underscore the urgency and human toll of the crisis. Fortunately, her children were saved thanks to the swift activation of a local treatment unit.
In response to this dire situation, the Angolan Ministry of Health led a prompt and well-coordinated national response, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a wide range of partners including UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, the EU, the World Bank, and emergency medical teams from various countries. This multi-sectoral collaboration was grounded in strong leadership, strategic coordination, and a reliance on real-time data such as risk maps and epidemiological reports, which shaped daily interventions.
To manage the crisis effectively, Cholera Treatment Centres and Community Units were established and strengthened, while health workers were trained with updated clinical guidelines. Epidemiological surveillance was expanded significantly across the most affected provinces to detect and respond to new cases more swiftly.
Beyond clinical care, public engagement and education played a vital role. Oral Rehydration Points were set up in communities, awareness campaigns were launched via media and local leaders, and oral cholera vaccination campaigns targeted high-risk areas. These efforts helped spread accurate information and encourage preventive behaviours within the population.
Long-term structural solutions also received attention. New safe water access points were installed in vulnerable areas, latrines were built to reduce open defecation, and hand hygiene initiatives were promoted in schools and markets. These measures aim to reduce the environmental causes of cholera transmission and ensure sustainable protection.
Despite substantial progress—including a sharp decline in the case fatality rate from 8.8% in January to 1.5% by June—serious challenges persist. Remote areas still lack access to clean water, some communities resist prevention efforts, and maintaining surveillance in hard-to-reach areas remains complex.
This outbreak, while alarming, has become a moment for reflection and systemic improvement. The key to preventing future epidemics lies in reinforcing Angola’s health system through continued investment in infrastructure, training, sanitation, flexible funding, and strong community engagement. Preparedness must become a national priority—not just for cholera, but for any future public health emergency.
The WHO remains committed to supporting Angola’s efforts in building a resilient and inclusive health system. As the crisis wanes, a call is made to all sectors—government, civil society, the private sector, media, and citizens—to sustain this momentum. Ending cholera in Angola must be more than an emergency response; it must be a lasting commitment to health, dignity, and life for all.
