Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is sounding the alarm on the intensifying cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the past nine months, more than 58,000 suspected cases have already been recorded, according to data from the Ministry of Health. The epidemic is among the worst seen in the last ten years, revealing the scale of the health crisis ravaging the country.
Faced with this rapid spread, immediate and reinforced mobilisation of national authorities, humanitarian organisations, and international partners, is essential to contain the spread of the disease.
Twenty of the country's 26 provinces are now affected. From January to mid-October, more than 1,700 deaths have been recorded, with a fatality rate exceeding three per cent. The situation continues to worsen, spreading to new health zones, including provinces where cholera was not previously endemic. Floods, conflicts, and displacement, as well as inadequate sanitation and water supply systems, have contributed to fuelling widespread epidemics like cholera. As the rainy season approaches, the situation is likely to deteriorate, further increasing the risk of disease transmission and contamination.
"The rapid spread of the epidemic across the country this year is of particular concern to us, especially during the rainy season," says Jean-Gilbert Ndong, MSF physician and medical coordinator in DRC. "We fear further outbreaks if urgent measures are not taken."
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Since January 2025, MSF has stepped up our response to the disease in several provinces of the country, including North and South Kivu, Maniema, Sankuru, Tshopo, Equateur, Kinshasa, Mai-Ndombe, Haut-Katanga, and Tanganyika. Teams remain in the most affected areas, such as Fizi, in South Kivu province, and Kongakonga, in Tshopo province. Since January, we have carried out 16 emergency responses in support of the Ministry of Health, treating more than 35,800 patients and vaccinating more than 22,000 people against the disease.
"At this critical stage, only a general mobilisation will make it possible to contain the disease and slow down the alarming spread of outbreaks," says Ndong.
In DRC, efforts are struggling to keep up
The cholera response faces major obstacles, including insufficient funding by the Congolese government, the limited presence of humanitarian organisations, and a lack of coordination in the emergency response mechanism. At the same time, weak surveillance and case identification systems, a lack of medical personnel and supplies, and limited vaccine distribution further compromise the implementation of a rapid, effective, and sustainable response.
"Wherever our teams are working, the situation is alarming: existing structures are not equipped to deal with cholera, and there is a shortage of medical supplies and vaccines," says Ton Berg, MSF programme manager in South Kivu. "We are working with local Ministry of Health staff to try to contain the disease. But the scale of the crisis requires urgent mobilisation of all partners, even in remote areas."
"The Congolese government and humanitarian organisations must strengthen financial and medical resources, particularly the distribution and delivery of vaccines, as well as the emergency response mechanism to support the fight against cholera," says Berg.
Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection. While it is treatable and preventable, without proper care it can quickly become fatal. Poor hygiene conditions, insufficient access to clean water and a lack of sanitation services can all contribute to the disease's spread. This poses a particular challenge in densely populated areas, especially in large cities, such as Kinshasa, and in rural areas with high concentrations of people who are internally displaced.
MSF teams have had to step up their efforts to fill the gaps left by the weak emergency response mechanisms of the health authorities and other agencies. To slow the spread of the disease, MSF is supporting the Ministry of Health to deliver medical care in specialised treatment centres, training community health workers, setting up chlorination points, and strengthening water and sanitation systems.
"We call for coordinated and urgent action to ensure the rapid provision of medical care, including unimpeded access and sustainable investment in access to safe drinking water and sanitation services," says Berg.
Behind every response is a limited access to healthcare
While MSF teams race to respond to outbreaks, our ability to reach people in need of care is hampered by significant challenges: logistical difficulties, security risks, administrative barriers, and supply issues. For example, the closure of Bukavu and Goma airports for months has impacted the main routes for transporting supplies to the east of the country.
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In the Fizi health zone, in South Kivu, the presence of humanitarian partners remains limited, and virtually none are specifically involved in the cholera response.
"Persistent insecurity, marked by clashes between armed groups along the main roads, hinders movement and delays the delivery of assistance, forcing teams to make long detours to avoid risky areas," says Berg.
Access to healthcare is also a huge challenge for communities. Long distances, lack of transport, and security concerns make it difficult to reach medical facilities. Once there, these centres are often under-equipped and unable to meet people's basic needs, leaving the communities most at-risk without essential care.
Cholera must be placed at the top of the national agenda as a major threat to public health in DRC. MSF calls for coordinated action to ensure the rapid provision of medical care, including the availability of vaccines, unhindered access and sustainable investment in access to safe drinking water and sanitation.
