Angola is facing a serious cholera outbreak, with 114 deaths and more than 3,400 cases reported since early January, according to the Health Ministry. The outbreak, which began on January 7, has spread to multiple provinces, hitting Luanda, the capital, and the nearby Bengo province the hardest.
Since February 1, the number of new cases has risen sharply, with over 100 infections reported daily. On February 8, the country recorded its highest single-day spike of 295 cases. However, limited testing capacity means the actual number of infections could be higher. Currently, only about 20 samples are tested daily, leaving many suspected cases unconfirmed.
The outbreak has exposed gaps in sanitation and access to clean water, especially in crowded areas like Luanda. Cholera, a waterborne disease, spreads quickly in such conditions, and its reach into other provinces highlights the need for urgent action.
To combat the crisis, the government has rolled out a vaccination campaign targeting high-risk areas. As of Monday, over 925,000 people have been vaccinated, covering 86% of the target population. While this is a significant step, health experts stress that vaccines alone won’t stop the outbreak. Improving sanitation, ensuring clean water access, and educating the public are equally important.
The Health Ministry has advised citizens to practice good hygiene, such as boiling water and washing hands regularly. At the same time, calls for international support are growing, with requests for medical supplies, testing kits, and logistical aid to strengthen Angola’s response.
As the outbreak continues, authorities are working to expand testing and healthcare services in affected regions. However, with limited resources and a fast-spreading disease, containing cholera remains a major challenge.