Angola is reeling under a fast-spreading cholera outbreak, with 267 new infections and three deaths reported in just 24 hours.
Since the first recorded case on 7 January 2025, the disease has surged to 17,528 infections and claimed 565 lives across 17 of the country’s 21 provinces.
Health Minister Silvia Lutucuta described the situation as the “worst outbreak in a generation,” warning that daily case numbers continue to climb at an alarming rate.
The provinces of Luanda, Bengo, Benguela, Cuanza Norte, and Cuanza Sul have been hardest hit, accounting for nearly 98% of all reported cases.
The outbreak originated in Cazenga, Luanda Province, prompting the government to declare a national public health emergency and activate a rapid response.
To combat the crisis, Angola has launched a $6.5 million National Response Plan involving multiple government ministries and international partners.
Dr. Helga Freitas, national director of public health, said emergency treatment centres have been established across affected areas to manage the influx of patients.
She noted that efforts include distributing hygiene kits, chlorinating water sources, and running widespread awareness campaigns to halt the disease’s advance.
“These actions reflect our commitment to saving lives by empowering communities on the front lines of this crisis,” Freitas said.
Support from regional and global agencies has also intensified, with the Africa CDC deploying a three-month incident management plan.
The agency recently donated 2,000 oral cholera vaccines for frontline workers, part of a broader initiative to combat cholera and other concurrent health threats.
With infections still rising, Angola’s health system remains under pressure, as authorities race to contain the deadly epidemic before it spirals further.