from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
DRC Bureau
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – CONGOLESE authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are making frantic efforts to curb the incessant spread of cholera.
Emerging from the most serious cholera epidemic in a quarter of a century, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is still contending with the crisis.
WHO reports that During the week of February 16-22, the DRC confirmed 1 429 suspected cases and 43 deaths related to cholera.
The capital, Kinshasa, remains since the beginning of 2026 one of the most worrying epicentres.
Kinshasa accounted for 30 percent of cases (431) and 32 percent of deaths (14), making it the most affected province, with 19 health zones impacted.
Starting this week, the WHO and authorities are deploying a strengthened community-based contact tracing strategy, a proactive approach involving intervention house by house.
The objective is to swiftly identify cases, disinfect homes, chlorinate water, raise awareness among families and break the chains of transmission.
The strategy is to run until this coming Sunday.
Health authorities and WHO are urging all communities to intensify awareness campaigns about essential measures such as handwashing, water treatment, sanitation, and immediate reporting of cases of acute diarrhea.
“With full commitment and strong coordination, we can end this devastating epidemic in the city-province of Kinshasa and move toward a cholera-free future in the DRC,” said Dr Anne Ancia, WHO interim representative in the country.
The past year was marked by the most severe cholera epidemic in 25 years with more than 71 200 cases and 2 070 deaths according to the National Institute of Public Health.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with vibrio cholerae bacteria.
– CAJ News