Daijiworld Media Network - N'Djamena
N'Djamena, Sep 6: A severe cholera outbreak in Chad has claimed 113 lives and infected 1,631 people since it began in July, according to a statement released by the country’s Ministry of Public Health.
The outbreak’s epicentre is the Dougui refugee camp in the eastern Ouaddai region, where the first case was detected on July 13. The camp hosts around 20,000 Sudanese refugees, increasing the risk of disease spread in already vulnerable conditions.
Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim chaired a high-level meeting to discuss containment strategies, amid concerns the outbreak could expand without urgent action. As part of its response, the government has deployed 1.12 million doses of cholera vaccine to affected areas, especially in the east.
Urging Hygiene and Prevention
Authorities have urged citizens to adhere strictly to hygiene practices to help contain the spread. Cholera spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, and thrives in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
The outbreak in Chad forms part of a broader continental crisis. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) recently warned that cholera remains the leading public health threat in Africa in terms of cases and deaths. So far in 2025, 23 countries have reported a combined 239,754 cholera cases and 5,274 deaths.
A Global Health Threat
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera is a highly contagious, acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Though many cases are mild and treatable with oral rehydration salts (ORS), severe infections can kill within hours if left untreated.
Outbreaks are often linked to conflict, displacement, and climate-related disasters like floods or droughts, which disrupt access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure. The WHO emphasizes the importance of early detection, strong epidemiological surveillance, and quick response to prevent widespread fatalities.
Rising Global Cholera Trends
Global cholera figures continue to rise. In 2023, the WHO recorded over 535,000 cases and more than 4,000 deaths across 45 countries, though real numbers are believed to be higher due to underreporting, weak surveillance systems, and concerns about the economic impact on trade and tourism.
Looking Ahead
The Chadian government, in coordination with international partners, is racing against time to contain the outbreak through vaccination, medical treatment, and community awareness. The situation remains fragile, especially in refugee camps where overcrowding and limited sanitation amplify the risk of rapid spread.
Public health officials are calling for continued support, including resources for clean water access, sanitation, and medical supplies, to avoid a deeper crisis.