The World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and African leaders have unveiled a bold new strategy to end cholera across the continent by 2030.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking alongside Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya, emphasized that Africa must take charge of its health security through local vaccine and medicine production.
“Africa has an opportunity to chart a new path of sustainable self-reliance,” Dr. Tedros said. “Producing vaccines and medicines for diseases that affect our people, even when external investors may not prioritize them, is essential. Local production is about realizing the right to health.”
The newly launched Continental Cholera Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (2025–2026) aims to:
• Cut cholera deaths by 90% across Africa.
• Eliminate cholera in more than 20 countries by 2030.
• Strengthen rapid response systems, disease surveillance, and regional collaboration.
• Scale up investments in vaccines and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems.
President Hichilema, recognized as a global champion for cholera control, announced Zambia’s plans to establish a cholera vaccine production facility. This, he noted, will contribute to Africa’s long-term health security and reduce dependence on external supply chains.
Cholera remains a serious public health threat on the continent. In 2025 alone, Africa has recorded over 213,500 suspected cases and more than 4,400 deaths. Health leaders stressed that political commitment, regional solidarity, and sustained investment will be crucial in realizing a cholera-free Africa.
“United leadership and action can deliver a #CholeraFreeAfrica,” Dr. Tedros said.
