Angola steps up cholera response with WHO support as cases surge

ANGOLA — The Minister of Health of Angola, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, has officially welcomed Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, the newly appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Angola.

This meeting signals a renewed partnership between Angola’s government and WHO, with a shared commitment to intensify the national response to the ongoing cholera outbreak.

Since the first cholera case was reported in early January 2025, Angola has faced a rapidly evolving public health emergency.

As of late March 2025, the country has recorded over 8,500 cholera cases and 329 deaths, with a case fatality rate of nearly 4%.

The outbreak has spread to 16 of Angola’s 21 provinces, with Luanda and Bengo being the most affected regions.

Children and young people have been especially vulnerable, with the 6-14 year age group accounting for the highest number of cases.

In response, the Ministry of Health has rolled out a series of urgent interventions in close collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and other partners.

These include deploying rapid response teams to the hardest-hit provinces, training more than 120 health workers in active case finding and infection control, and establishing specialized cholera treatment centers.

Additionally, authorities have prioritized community engagement and risk communication, distributing tens of thousands of educational materials to raise awareness about cholera prevention.

Vaccination has also played a crucial role in the response. In January and February 2025, more than 900,000 people were vaccinated in Luanda, Bengo, and Icolo e Bengo, achieving a coverage rate of 99.5%.

This campaign was supported by the arrival of nearly a million vaccine doses and was complemented by the distribution of water treatment supplies, soaps, and handwashing stations to improve hygiene and sanitation in affected communities.

Despite these efforts, the outbreak remains a significant concern. Minister Lutucuta expressed deep worry about the continued rise in cases and the tragic loss of life, particularly among children.

She emphasized the urgent need for even stronger multisectoral collaboration, coordinated action, and sustained support from all partners to curb the spread of the disease and protect public health.

Dr. Hazarika reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Angola, not only in controlling the current outbreak but also in strengthening the country’s health system for greater resilience.

He highlighted that while the cholera crisis is challenging, it also presents an opportunity to reinforce emergency preparedness and build a healthier future for all Angolans.

Looking ahead, national efforts will focus on integrated strategies to prevent future outbreaks. This includes improving access to quality healthcare, ensuring the availability of safe drinking water, promoting hygiene and sanitation practices, and continuing investments in health infrastructure.

The combined efforts of the Angolan government, WHO, other UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector will be essential in safeguarding the health and well-being of the population.

UNICEF has estimated a funding requirement of approximately US$2.1 million to support the cholera response, underscoring the scale and urgency of the situation.

With decisive leadership, strong partnerships, and community engagement, Angola aims to bring the outbreak under control and build a more resilient health system for the future.

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