Clean water crisis fuels cholera: An urgent call for action
- Amina Bahati
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Angola is facing a severe cholera outbreak, with thousands of reported cases and significant loss of life. The rapid spread of the disease underscores the urgent need for intervention and highlights the vulnerabilities within the country’s public health infrastructure. As of early 2025, more than 15,000 suspected cases have been documented, with over 250 fatalities reported across several provinces, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Causes and contributing factors
The outbreak has been exacerbated by poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and overburdened healthcare facilities. Many affected areas lack proper sewage systems, leading to contamination of water sources. The situation is further worsened by climate-related factors such as flooding, which increases the spread of waterborne diseases. Droughts and irregular rainfall have also contributed to reduced water availability, forcing communities to rely on unsafe sources.
Epidemiological impact
Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, spreads rapidly in environments where hygiene and sanitation are compromised. The disease leads to acute diarrhoea and severe dehydration, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Historical data shows that cholera has caused seven global pandemics since the early 19th century. The most recent began in South Asia in 1961 and continues to persist in various parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022 alone, WHO recorded more than 470,000 cases of cholera globally, with the majority reported in Africa and Asia.
Essential clean water and sanitation
Access to clean water and proper sanitation is critical in preventing cholera and other waterborne diseases. According to the United Nations, over 2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water services, and more than 3.6 billion people lack safely managed sanitation. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) emphasises the need for universal access to safe water sources, which is crucial in preventing health crises like the one unfolding in Angola.
Improved access to clean water and sanitation not only prevents cholera but also reduces the incidence of other illnesses such as typhoid, hepatitis A, and diarrhoeal diseases. Investment in water infrastructure, hygiene education, and maintenance of sewage systems are proven strategies to reduce the burden of disease and improve public health outcomes.
Global cooperation and response efforts
International organisations, including WHO, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and non-governmental organisations, are working alongside the Angolan government to contain the outbreak. Efforts include emergency water treatment, vaccination campaigns using oral cholera vaccines (OCVs), and the provision of medical supplies to affected regions. The Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) has also activated its emergency response mechanisms to support coordination and technical assistance.
Long-term strategies focus on improving water infrastructure and sanitation to prevent future outbreaks. Strengthening early warning systems and increasing community awareness through health education are key to building resilience against cholera.
Strengthening healthcare resilience
The cholera outbreak in Angola serves as a stark reminder of the importance of investing in public health and water management systems. Strengthening community health services, expanding access to clean drinking water, and implementing robust sanitation policies are vital to mitigating the impact of such crises.
According to UNICEF, every US dollar invested in water and sanitation generates a return of up to US$4 in economic benefits, due to improved health and productivity. Addressing these fundamental needs aligns with global efforts to promote health equity and prevent disease outbreaks in vulnerable populations.
Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation remains a global priority. By prioritising these fundamental human rights, governments and organisations can help safeguard communities from preventable diseases and improve overall public health outcomes. Angola’s current crisis highlights the interconnectedness of health, infrastructure, and environmental management and the urgent need for sustained global commitment to SDG 6.