Africa has unveiled a continental emergency preparedness and response plan to tackle cholera from September 2025 to February 2026.
The model, developed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to accelerate funding for vaccines and case management supplies across the continent. The initiative seeks to reduce cholera-related deaths by 90% in the 54 member states and eradicate the disease in at least 20 countries by 2030.
The plan was launched at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre during events focused on strengthening an ecosystem approach to the production of medicines, vaccines, and other health technologies in Africa, alongside the Gavi Leap initiative.
Hakainde Hichilema, African Union (AU) global and continental cholera champion and President of Zambia, emphasised that eradicating cholera is not only a health priority but also a moral obligation, a driver of economic growth, and a critical step towards achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063.
“To succeed, we must act today for a better tomorrow, building a self-reliant Africa that produces its own vaccines and secures its future,” he said.
Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, highlighted the urgency of the plan in light of the sharp rise in cholera cases in 2025, which saw 213,586 cases and 4,507 deaths reported across 23 AU member states.
Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, described the roadmap as a strategic and technical blueprint, reflecting the united determination of AU member states to eliminate cholera as a public health threat on the continent.
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