Why Cholera Continues to Be a Problem in the DRC

The DRC faces one of the worst cholera outbreaks in recent times.
As of June 2025, over 29,000 suspected cholera cases were reported in the DRC.
Children under five are disproportionately affected by cholera due to poor health conditions.
Cholera’s persistence is tied to poverty and failing water infrastructure in the DRC.
Recent studies show that only 20% have access to safe drinking water in affected regions.

In-depth Analysis of the Cholera Crisis in DRC

Cholera Outbreaks Persist in the DRC: A Critical View The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently enduring one of the most severe cholera outbreaks in its recent history, revealing serious issues within its public health system, water sanitation infrastructure, and overall humanitarian response mechanisms. This crisis has increasingly placed the country’s vulnerable young population at risk. Specifically, a recent report from the United Nations marked April 3, 2025, as a critical turning point, highlighting a rapid increase of cholera cases in the southern Tanganyika province, where the disease had already infected thousands and led to numerous fatalities. Data indicates that nine out of eleven health zones were impacted, with confirmations of over 1,450 cases and 27 deaths, showcasing a shocking six-fold rise since the previous year. By June, the situation had deteriorated further, with the World Health Organization (WHO) announcing over 29,000 suspected cases and 620 deaths throughout the country, marking this as the most significant outbreak in six years. Alarmingly, young children—especially those under five—are disproportionately affected, suffering heavily from the disease due to existing vulnerabilities like malnutrition and poor access to clean water.

Factors Propagating the Outbreak: A Socioeconomic Lens

Cholera’s Underlying Causes: Poverty and Infrastructure Challenges Experts assert that the ongoing cholera crisis cannot simply be attributed to the bacteria itself, but rather to the deeply entrenched issues of poverty and inadequate infrastructure that plague the eastern regions of the DRC. Dr. Anita Zaidi from the Gates Foundation pointed out that the underlying socio-economic factors have not been effectively addressed, which is a significant reason for cholera’s persistence. In provinces still grappling with the aftermath of decades-long violence and instability, such as North Kivu and South Kivu, contaminated water sources are rampant, with communities forced to depend on unsafe options like Lake Kivu or local rivers. A 2024 study highlighted the stark reality that a mere 20 percent of residents in the most affected areas have access to safe drinking water. With healthcare resources stretched thin—characterized by a lack of medical professionals and adequate supplies—the situation is further exacerbated by funding cuts to humanitarian aid. Tragically, by mid-2025, an estimated 4.5 million children under the age of five are projected to experience acute malnutrition, increasing the fatality risks related to cholera infection.

Path Forward: Implementing Lasting Solutions

Urgent Action Required: Solutions Beyond Immediate Relief In recent efforts to address the crisis, organizations like the WHO and Doctors Without Borders have ramped up their responses, deploying Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) and establishing emergency healthcare facilities. Nonetheless, while these may provide short-term relief, they do not resolve the foundational issues. As the deadline for international health targets approaches in 2030, serious doubts remain about whether the DRC can sustainably combat cholera without comprehensive investments. Insights from local researchers, like Aymar Akilimali, advocate for tailored solutions focused on children, emphasizing the need for dedicated pediatric health services and better community education on cholera prevention and response. He stresses that initiatives should adopt multisectoral strategies, encompassing everything from vaccination campaigns to increased public awareness and epidemiological monitoring. Therefore, the cholera issue represents not just a failing in public health but a significant humanitarian crisis. Unless urgent, coordinated efforts are undertaken to stabilize both the healthcare framework and the socio-economic conditions, the DRC’s cholera epidemic is likely to persist.

The ongoing cholera outbreak in the DRC signals a multifaceted crisis that ultimately stems from poverty and inadequate health infrastructure. Efforts by international organizations, while notable and often necessary, cannot substitute for the long-term solutions needed. A focus on children’s health and systemic improvements is crucial if the nation is to finally overcome this public health menace and fulfill international commitments by 2030.