Fight against cholera: ‘The epidemiological situation is deteriorating in DRC’ (Minister in charge of Health)

Kinshasa, July 14^th, 2025 (CPA).- The Ministry in charge of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare informed the population on Monday about the deteriorating epidemiological situation of cholera in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the CPA learned from a press release. ‘During epidemiological week 27 (EW 27), the country recorded a 19% increase in cholera cases compared to the previous week, with 2,085 cases reported compared to 1,757. This outbreak has been accompanied by 95 reported deaths, including three healthcare providers,’ said the statement. ‘The situation is particularly worrying at the Mama Koko orphanage, in the CASA pavilion, where 60 children have shown neurological damage, 16 of whom have unfortunately died,’ the statement said. The document also reports that 83 stool samples were analyzed, 35 of which tested positive, representing a positivity rate of 42%, which indicates active circulation of the cholera vibrio in several provinces of the country. « The province of Tshopo remains the epicenter of the epidemic with 793 reported cases, representing nearly half (49%) of the national total. Other provinces such as Equateur (Mbandaka ZS) and Lomami are also experiencing a rapid increase in cases, with a 40% and 50% increase respectively in the space of a few days, » added the statement. In response to this rise in the epidemic, the ministry has announced the continuation of vaccination campaigns in 11 health zones spread across the provinces of Tanganyika, Maniema, Haut-Katanga and Tshopo. An extension of vaccination coverage is also being planned for 11 new hot spots, particularly in Kinshasa and Équateur, with a view to halting the spread. In addition, a technical inspection was carried out at the sites hosting victims of the recent floods in the capital (Tata Raphaël Stadium, Martyrs Stadium and Kinkole), in order to prevent the risk of epidemics in these densely populated areas. In its statement, the ministry welcomed the official delivery of 20 tons of cholera kits by UNICEF, a logistical support deemed ‘essential’. The Congolese government, through the Ministry of Public Health, reaffirms its commitment to combating this health crisis and calls on the population to be vigilant, to strictly observe hygiene rules and to actively collaborate with the response teams. ‘The cholera epidemic remains a serious threat to public health, and controlling it requires joint action by the state, technical and financial partners, and above all local communities,’ concluded Minister Samuel Roger Kamba, quoted in the statement.