October 24, 2025 : The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing one of its most severe cholera outbreaks in recent years, with over 1,700 deaths reported between January and mid-October 2025, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The international medical humanitarian organization has described the situation as an “epidemic of alarming intensity,” urging for immediate and coordinated international action to contain the crisis.
The outbreak, which began early this year, has rapidly spread across several provinces, affecting both rural and urban areas. North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Tanganyika, and Haut-Lomami have been identified as the worst-hit regions, where thousands of suspected cases continue to rise weekly. The scale of the crisis has placed immense pressure on DRC’s already fragile healthcare system, struggling with limited resources, poor sanitation, and displacement due to conflict.
MSF teams working on the ground report that overcrowded camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), combined with a lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities, have created ideal conditions for the waterborne disease to spread. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is transmitted through contaminated water or food and can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, leading to death within hours if left untreated.
“Every day, we are witnessing children and adults arriving at our treatment centers in critical condition. The speed with which cholera kills is horrifying. The sheer number of cases shows this is not a localized problem — it’s a national emergency,” said Dr. Jean-Baptiste Kayembe, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Goma.
According to data shared by MSF, more than 50,000 suspected cases have been recorded so far in 2025. The organization has deployed emergency response teams across 12 provinces, establishing cholera treatment centers, distributing rehydration solutions, and providing hygiene kits to families. However, they warn that unless preventive measures are scaled up immediately, the outbreak could worsen with the onset of the rainy season, which typically accelerates the spread of waterborne diseases.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has also expressed deep concern, noting that nearly 70% of cholera-affected communities lack access to safe drinking water. The lack of proper waste management, coupled with frequent population displacement due to ongoing conflicts in eastern Congo, has made it extremely difficult to contain the spread of infections.
Health experts emphasize that while cholera is preventable and treatable, recurring outbreaks in DRC reflect systemic challenges. “Cholera thrives where clean water and sanitation are scarce. Until these structural problems are addressed, the cycle of outbreaks will continue,” said Dr. Sarah Mubenga, an epidemiologist working with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Kinshasa.
WHO and UNICEF have been supporting local authorities by providing oral cholera vaccines (OCV) and strengthening surveillance systems. Over two million vaccine doses have been deployed in hotspot regions, but logistical challenges and insecurity have delayed vaccination drives in remote and conflict-prone zones. MSF has also called for improved coordination among health partners to ensure equitable access to vaccines and medical supplies.
Residents of affected regions have recounted their struggles amid the epidemic. In Uvira, a town in South Kivu province, locals report that contaminated river water remains their only source of drinking water. “We know the water isn’t safe, but we have no other choice,” said 32-year-old mother of three, Amina Kabila. “The nearest clean water point is too far, and people are dying every day.”
The DRC’s Ministry of Health has acknowledged the scale of the crisis and pledged to intensify public awareness campaigns focusing on hygiene practices and early treatment. Health officials are also working with international agencies to repair damaged water infrastructure and expand cholera treatment facilities.
Despite these efforts, MSF warns that funding shortfalls remain a major obstacle. The organization has appealed for urgent international financial assistance to sustain operations and expand cholera response capacity. “We cannot wait for donor fatigue. Lives are being lost daily, and the humanitarian community must act now,” said Dr. Kayembe.
Beyond immediate medical interventions, experts are calling for long-term solutions that address the root causes of recurring cholera outbreaks. These include investments in clean water systems, sanitation networks, and health infrastructure. Without sustainable development and peace in the affected regions, health crises like this are likely to reoccur.
As of mid-October, the situation remains critical, with new cases being reported daily. Aid agencies are racing against time to prevent the outbreak from spreading to neighboring countries. The combination of conflict, poor infrastructure, and climate vulnerability continues to amplify the impact of the disease, posing one of the most complex public health challenges in Central Africa today.
Summary
Over 1,700 deaths have been recorded in DRC’s worsening cholera outbreak. MSF calls it an “epidemic of alarming intensity,” urging urgent global action amid poor sanitation and conflict-driven displacement.