African Leaders, Africa CDC, and Partners Unite in Bold Drive to Fight Cholera

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — On June 4, 2025, twenty African Union (AU) Member States held a virtual meeting. This meeting was in response to cholera outbreaks and was led by H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) initiated the call.

Ten Heads of State and Vice-Presidents attended. They represented Angola, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers of Health also joined the discussion. Global health partners like WHO and UNICEF participated to strengthen efforts against cholera.

As of May 2025, Africa reported about 130,000 cholera cases and 2,700 deaths. This accounts for 60% of global cases and 93.5% of related deaths. Angola, the DRC, Sudan, and South Sudan are among the hardest hit countries.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized bold leadership: "The people of Africa expect coordinated leadership that prioritizes their health." He stressed that eliminating cholera by 2030 requires strong national leadership and investment in health systems.

H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço from Angola highlighted the need for investment: "We must invest in water and sanitation systems." He called this moment an opportunity for economic development.

Dr. Jean Kaseya from Africa CDC pointed out systemic issues causing the crisis: "Africa needs 54 million doses of oral cholera vaccine annually but receives only half." He urged immediate action to boost local vaccine production.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus from WHO praised the leaders' commitment: "WHO will increase support to affected countries through this Call to Action."

African leaders agreed to activate the Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST). They plan to establish Presidential Task Forces on Cholera at national levels for better coordination.

Etleva Kadili from UNICEF reminded leaders that children are most affected: "Bold action is urgently needed." Dr. Sania Nishtar from Gavi reported improvements in vaccine availability over recent years.

In closing remarks, H.E. Hakainde Hichilema committed to updating the AU Assembly on progress: "We have issued a clear Call to Action; now we must deliver."

This meeting marks a significant step in Africa's fight against cholera through political unity and collaboration.