Daijiworld Media Network - Kinshasa

Kinshasa, Jul 15: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with a major cholera resurgence, with more than 35,000 infections reported across 17 of the country’s 36 provinces since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa, Health Minister Roger Kamba declared that the country remains in the "acute phase" of the outbreak, with case numbers continuing to rise.

“Cholera arrived in our country in 1973, and since then, it has never left,” said Kamba. “It has mostly been endemic in the east, but today, the outbreak is spreading rapidly—particularly in the capital Kinshasa.”

Tshopo province remains the epicentre, followed by Kinshasa, South Kivu, Maniema, and North Kivu. Sporadic cases have also emerged in central provinces, escalating fears of a nationwide crisis.

The national case fatality rate currently stands at 3%, with Kinshasa previously recording a peak of 9%. Alarmingly, 80% of deaths occur within communities before patients reach hospitals, highlighting gaps in early intervention and access to care.

Minister Kamba attributed the outbreak to frequent flooding, poor sanitation and hygiene, unsafe drinking water, and high population mobility and overcrowding. “Cholera is a disease of dirty hands,” Kamba warned. “It spreads through contaminated water and improperly prepared food.” He urged people to avoid self-medication and seek immediate medical help if symptoms like vomiting and severe diarrhea appear.

The DRC is not alone—cholera outbreaks are also affecting Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and South Sudan. To prevent cross-border transmission, the DRC's health ministry is boosting surveillance at key border checkpoints via the National Hygiene Programme at Borders.

While cholera cases surge, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases are reportedly declining. “With mpox, we’re on a better path, but it’s not over yet,” said Kamba.

The World Health Organisation noted that the DRC officially declared a cholera outbreak on May 5, 2025, following laboratory confirmations in multiple provinces. Authorities continue to call for urgent international support and increased community awareness to contain what could become one of the worst health crises in the region this year.