Eastern and Southern Africa records over 178,000 cholera cases over 15 months, amid water, sanitation and hygiene challenges. Children under 15 comprise 50 per cent of cases in South Sudan and 40 per cent in Angola.
Over 178,000 cases of cholera have been confirmed in 16 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa from January 2024 until March 2025, UNICEF reported today. Worsened by limited access to water, sanitation, hygiene and health services, the alarming number has resulted in close to 2,900 deaths, many of which are children.
UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli, said:
“Access to safe water is a fundamental need, vital for the survival and development of our children, and most importantly, a human right.” “We have seen the devastating impacts when communities do not have access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, especially during droughts, floods and disease outbreaks.”
