10 African countries with the highest cholera cases and deaths

Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhoea and can lead to dehydration and kill within hours if left untreated. According to the World Health Organisation, people with low immunity - such as malnourished children or people living with HIV - are at a greater risk of death if infected.

Cholera is a global disease, affecting millions of people worldwide, including those in Africa, and its outbreaks are frequent due to various factors, including poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and the prevalence of conflict zones and urban slums. These conditions create an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive and spread rapidly.

According to WHO, the cholera outbreak in Africa has affected 18 countries over the last two years.

From January 1 to May 26, 2024, a total of 92,789 cholera cases were reported across 14 countries in the African Region. The highest numbers of cases during this period were recorded in Zambia (20,113 cases), Zimbabwe (19,759 cases), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (16,539 cases).

During the same period, 1658 deaths were reported from 12 countries. The highest numbers of deaths were reported from Zambia (637 deaths), Zimbabwe (395 deaths), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (295 deaths).

However, there have been notable changes in these figures. For instance, Nigeria, which recorded 16 deaths as of May 26, 2024, now reports that the death toll from the latest cholera outbreak has reached 40.

Below are 10 African countries with the highest cholera cases and deaths as of may 2024: