In a major move to tackle one of Africa’s most persistent health threats, a new Africa Continental Cholera Outbreak Response Plan was launched on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The initiative calls on national leaders to take central responsibility in combating the deadly waterborne disease.
The plan was unveiled during the 75th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Lusaka, Zambia. It provides countries with clear guidance to mount swift, coordinated, and standardized responses to cholera outbreaks, aiming to save lives and limit the spread of the disease.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who launched the strategy, urged African leaders to establish dedicated presidential task forces on cholera, emphasizing that high-level accountability and coordination are key to effective response. “This moment marks a turning point in Africa’s fight against a disease that has robbed communities not just of health, but of dignity and opportunity,” he said., who launched the strategy, urged African leaders to establish dedicated presidential task forces on cholera, emphasizing that high-level accountability and coordination are key to effective response. “This moment marks a turning point in Africa’s fight against a disease that has robbed communities not just of health, but of dignity and opportunity,” he said.
President Hichilema noted that the lack of a coordinated continental framework has historically led to delayed and inadequate responses, allowing outbreaks to escalate. He stressed that countries should first allocate domestic resources before seeking external support, demonstrating genuine national commitment.
Highlighting the root causes of cholera, the President called for stronger collaboration between health ministries and agencies responsible for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). “Cholera is primarily a water and sanitation challenge,” he said, pointing to the underlying drivers of the crisis.
Cholera continues to affect many African countries. In 2024 alone, 33 nations reported cases, with a total of 804,721 infections and 5,805 deaths, illustrating the devastating impact of the disease.
The new continental plan aims to reverse these trends through preparedness, rapid detection, and a multi-sectoral approach, signaling a fresh chapter in Africa’s fight against cholera.
