A cholera outbreak in Angola has claimed 117 lives since early January, with health officials reporting 3,543 cases nationwide. The capital, Luanda, is the hardest hit, accounting for 1,753 cases, while the remaining infections are spread across several provinces.
According to the Angolan Ministry of Health, the country has been registering over 100 new cases daily since February 1, with the highest single-day surge occurring on February 8, when 295 cases were reported.
Rapid Spread Across Provinces
The outbreak began on January 7, initially affecting Luanda before spreading to other regions, particularly the neighboring Bengo province. The government has since intensified its public health response, mobilizing resources to contain the disease’s spread.
In an effort to curb the outbreak, Angolan health authorities have launched a mass cholera vaccination campaign, reaching 925,000 people—86% of the targeted population.
Ongoing Health Crisis
Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by contaminated food and water, spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. Angolan officials are urging residents to follow hygiene precautions and seek medical care at the first sign of symptoms.
While vaccinations and emergency measures are underway, the government remains on high alert as the outbreak continues to pose a serious public health challenge.
