The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with its most severe cholera outbreak in a quarter of a century, with nearly 2,000 deaths reported since the start of the year, the UN children’s agency UNICEF said on Monday.
The outbreak has had a devastating impact on children. In Kinshasa, 16 of 62 children at one orphanage died within days of the disease striking, highlighting the human cost of the crisis, UNICEF reported. “Congolese children should not be so gravely affected by what is a wholly preventable disease,” said UNICEF spokesperson John Agbor.
Rapid Spread Amid Poor Sanitation
Cholera is a serious diarrhoeal disease that can be fatal if untreated. It spreads quickly through contaminated water and untreated sewage.
The situation in the DRC is made worse by years of conflict and a severe lack of clean water. Only 43% of the population has access to basic water services, the lowest rate in Africa, and just 15% have access to proper sanitation.
Since January, the outbreak has infected 64,427 people and killed 1,888, including 14,818 children, of whom 340 have died. Seventeen out of the country’s 26 provinces are affected, making the crisis widespread.
Regional Surge Across Africa
Health experts warn that the outbreak in the DRC is part of a broader increase in cholera cases across Africa. Compared with last year, infections have risen by about 30%, with neighbouring Angola and Burundi also seeing significant surges.
Urgent Call for Funding
UNICEF has called for urgent funding to support sanitation, hygiene, and health services. While the DRC government has a cholera elimination plan with a $192 million budget, UNICEF is requesting around $6 million for 2026 to continue its rapid response efforts.
John Agbor warned, “Without additional funds and coordinated action, many more lives could be lost.”
The DRC has also faced an Ebola outbreak this year. First reported in September, 43 people died, but the World Health Organization declared the outbreak over last week after 45 days passed with no new confirmed cases.