The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing its worst cholera outbreak in over two decades

Cholera has been a constant public health challenge in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since the mid-1990s, with particularly alarming trends emerging in 2025 (1). As of mid-October 2025, the country is facing its worst cholera outbreak in over two decades, with more than 58,000 suspected cases and over 1,700 deaths recorded (2). This is more than double the average annual caseload recorded over the past five years (3).

The disease is driven by poor access to clean water and sanitation. Only about 35% of the population has access to basic drinking water services, while 16% have access to basic sanitation facilities (2022 estimates) (4). Cholera outbreaks in the DRC are further exacerbated by conflict, population displacement, and climate-related disasters such as flooding (5).

In response to persistent cholera transmission, the government has launched an enhanced Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan (2023–2027), aiming to break this cycle (6). The plan addresses the factors driving recurring outbreaks, prioritizing interventions in cholera hotspots in the Great Lakes Region (6). Many of these areas are affected by conflict and population displacement, which not only exacerbate outbreaks but also hamper both response efforts and access to healthcare (7). The DRC’s Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan is supported by the Veolia Foundation (8).

Despite the DRC’s efforts to curb transmission, this crisis is being compounded by a sharp decline in humanitarian assistance. The recent suspension of USAID-supported programs has significantly exacerbated the cholera crisis (among other emergencies) in the DRC and throughout Africa. Such abrupt funding cuts are compromising prevention and response efforts (9). Furthermore, the suspension of programs is accelerating the collapse of the country’s fragile healthcare system, due to supply shortages and staff layoffs (10). The drastic withdrawal of USAID has had devastating consequences for vulnerable communities, with thousands of people, including children, at increased risk from a preventable and treatable disease. As the DRC’s health system is overwhelmed and under-resourced, it is imperative that the international community urgently mobilize resources and support to reinforce disease control efforts.