Central African Republic (CAR) - Cholera outbreak 2026

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Cholera strikes a country already threatened by Ebola

Twenty-four people have died southwest of Bangui. This is the fifth cholera outbreak in one of the world's poorest countries.

Updated 38 minutes ago

The Central African government has officially declared a cholera epidemic after the confirmation of 24 deaths and 197 cases in the districts of Bimbo and Mbaïki, southwest of the capital, Bangui, Health Minister Dr. Pierre Somse announced Friday evening .

"While our country, the Central African Republic, is facing the threat of the Ebola virus epidemic raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, the Ministry of Health and Population, with the support of the Pasteur Institute of Bangui, has just confirmed today, June 26, 2026, a cholera epidemic in the health district of Bimbo and Mbaïki," the minister said at a press conference.

"Preventive measures have been put in place in the affected localities and villages," he said, adding that other measures were being deployed in surrounding towns to prevent the spread of the disease.

Investigation into the origin of the epidemic

Cholera is transmitted through water and food contaminated with bacteria and can cause dehydration and diarrhea. Modern wastewater treatment has virtually eradicated the disease in most wealthy countries. However, poverty and insecurity in this landlocked Central African nation, one of the poorest in the world, are major risk factors for its resurgence.

The ministry is currently conducting investigations to determine the origin of this outbreak, the fifth in the country. During the last officially declared outbreak in 2016, 522 cases and 23 deaths were recorded.

Awareness campaigns have already been launched across the entire national territory.

The minister called on civil servants, political leaders, religious leaders, the media and the entire population to actively participate in raising awareness to reduce the risks of transmission.

"I want to reassure the Central African population: the government remains fully mobilized to contain this epidemic," he stressed, insisting on strict adherence to barrier measures and health guidelines.

https://www.24heures.ch/cholera-la-centrafrique-declare-une-epidemie-apres-24-morts-709588798601

 

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The Central African Republic has officially declared a cholera epidemic after around twenty deaths.

The Central African Ministry of Health has confirmed an ongoing cholera outbreak in the country, with the health districts of Bimbo and Mbaïki in the southwest being the main hotspots. Nearly 200 cases have been identified and 24 deaths recorded in the last ten days, particularly in the village of Bokassi.

Published on:27/06/2026 - 21:27
Modified on:28/06/2026 - 00:24

By : RFI
With our special correspondent in Bokassi, Rolf Steve Domia-leu

In response to this situation, the government has deployed medical teams, opened treatment centers, and strengthened epidemiological surveillance to curb the spread of the disease. Authorities, who say this is the fifth cholera outbreak in the country's history, are urging the population to strictly adhere to hygiene measures and to seek immediate medical attention at a health center if they experience diarrhea or vomiting.

In the streets of the village of Bokassi, one of the villages affected by this epidemic, the inhabitants, whose daily lives have been disrupted, are on alert.

Health Ministry officials are identifying individuals who have been in contact with those infected, while medical teams are working to provide care to those in need and raise public awareness. " To date, about twenty villages, all located downstream from the village of Bokassi, are affected by the disease. A total of 197 cases have been reported, including 24 community deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 12.24% ," explained Dr. Pierre Somsé, Minister of Health, before urging the population to remain calm: " There is no reason to panic; the situation is being closely monitored. Together, by respecting hygiene measures and demonstrating national solidarity, we can break the chain of transmission and protect our communities ," he said.

" We need clean drinking water and more resources to protect ourselves ."

Nevertheless, despite these measures, anxiety remains palpable in the affected villages. Elodie, a resident of Bokassi village, for example, expressed her concern about the spread of the disease: “ Our hospital needs to be strengthened. We need qualified staff and appropriate equipment to cope with it. If the system continues to be inadequate, we will lose many people ,” she stated. Meanwhile, Juvénal Kirima, a resident of Bimbo, confided: “ We are avoiding certain gatherings and following the guidelines, but we need drinking water and more resources to protect ourselves. We hope the authorities will quickly bring this epidemic under control! ”

In partnership with the Pasteur Institute of Bangui, the Ministry of Health has deployed teams to villages affected by the epidemic.

Dr. Pierre Somsé urges the public to respect preventive measures: “ Wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap, or even just drinking water for treatment. Wash food thoroughly before eating it, avoid leaving food exposed to the air, use latrines and maintain a clean environment, consult the nearest health center or community health agency immediately in case of diarrhea or vomiting. Avoid handling corpses during burials.”

To report any suspected cases, the toll-free number 1212 has been made available to the public. Investigations are underway to determine the origin of the outbreak.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20260...démie-de-choléra-après-une-vingtaine-de-décès

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Ministry of Health and Population - Central African Republic

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With #more than #24_deaths and #hundreds of confirmed cases of cholera recorded along the #Oubangui river , the #Central_African_Government is continuing a coordinated response to protect the most exposed populations.

On #Saturday_June_27 , a multi-sectoral mission led by the Minister of Health and Population, #Dr #Pierre_Somse , visited #Bokassi and #Ndimba , in the health district of #Bimbo , two hard-to-reach localities, accessible mainly by river, in order to assess the situation, exchange with the communities and strengthen response actions.

Alongside the Government, the #World_Bank , through the #SENI_Plus and #HeSP projects , as well as partners in the #United_Nations system ( [HASHTAG="c747242"]WHO[/HASHTAG] , [HASHTAG="t51363"]unicef[/HASHTAG] , #IOM and #OCHA ), continue their commitment to supporting the health response, strengthening epidemiological surveillance, community mobilization and the capacities of the health system.

This mission also provided an opportunity to listen to the concerns expressed by the local populations. The communities highlighted the difficulties they face daily: limited access to basic social services, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, difficulties in obtaining drinking water, and reliance on the Ubangi River for their domestic needs. They took this opportunity to request the Minister's advocacy with the highest state authorities for sustainable solutions to complement the efforts already undertaken by the Government and its technical and financial partners.

The mission was also used to raise awareness about Ebola virus disease ( EVD ). To date, no cases of EVD have been recorded in the Central African Republic . However, due to their geographical location and cross-border trade, these riverside communities remain areas of concern requiring continued strengthening of prevention and preparedness measures.

Beyond the immediate response to cholera, this mission illustrates the importance of an integrated approach based on close contact with communities, prevention of health risks and the sustainable strengthening of the resilience of health systems.

Together, the [HASHTAG="t44294"]government[/HASHTAG] , the #World_Bank through the #SENI_Plus and #HeSP projects, as well as technical and financial partners, remain mobilized to protect populations and strengthen health security in the Central African Republic.

#WorldBank #SENIPlus #HeSP #MinistryofHealthCAR [HASHTAG="c810"]Choléra[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG="c783"]Ebola[/HASHTAG] #Prevention #PublicHealth [HASHTAG="t44752"]car[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG="c747242"]WHO[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG="t51363"]unicef[/HASHTAG] #IOM #OCHA [HASHTAG="t53823"]resilience[/HASHTAG] #OneHealth
By Rocka Rollin #LANDOUNG, National Communication Specialist for SENI Plus and HeSP projects​

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https://www.facebook.com/RCAMSP

 

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Central African Republic: "We are exposed to this epidemic," the fear of the population of Bokassi in the face of cholera

The Central African Republic continues its fight against cholera. Since the first case was confirmed on June 26, the country has recorded more than 200 cases and about 20 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The outbreak is mainly affecting the health districts of Bimbo and Mbaïki, in the southwest of the country. While authorities maintain that the situation is under control, the lack of health infrastructure and the absence of boreholes in several affected areas are complicating prevention and treatment, raising concerns about continued transmission.

Published on:06/07/2026 - 04:55
By : RFI

With our special correspondent in the village of Bokassi, Rolf Steve Domia-Leu

On board this immense whaleboat, about thirty passengers are taking their seats as it prepares to leave the shore. Several tons of cargo are piled around them. Domestic animals are also accompanying the journey. Paterne is the experienced captain of this whaleboat. " We can carry a maximum of 50 passengers. The road is completely impassable. The river is the only way to reach the region. Some people on board have symptoms of cholera. Their condition is critical. They absolutely must be taken to Bangui for treatment. "

To the rhythm of songs, a group of young volunteers walks through the riverside neighborhoods to raise awareness among the population. Standing next to a kiosk, Julia laments the lack of a well in the village of Bokassi. " We drink river water. There isn't a well here. So we are exposed to this epidemic. We feel abandoned. "

As the number of cases increases in this area, the Ministry of Health is urging residents to be vigilant. Dr. Germain Piamale, the cholera response manager, stated, “ We have recorded 240 cases and 24 deaths in the community. However, we have not recorded any deaths in healthcare facilities. To limit the spread of the disease, testing and treatment in hospitals are free throughout the country. We advise communities to bring those who are ill to the hospital. ”

​https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20260...r-de-la-population-de-bokassi-face-au-choléra

 

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Source: https://english.news.cn/africa/20260709/1fed931fcf8c470e9cb03f85ea450969/c.html

CAR reports 27 cholera deaths, 253 cases in two weeks
Source: Xinhua| 2026-07-09 23:32:15|Editor: huaxia

YAOUNDE, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Cholera has killed at least 27 people in the Central African Republic over the past two weeks, health officials confirmed Thursday, with a total of 253 cases reported during the period.

Germain Piamale, head of the outbreak response, said 12 cases have been confirmed in laboratories. Of the 27 deaths, 24 occurred in communities before patients could access medical care, while the remaining three were recorded at health facilities.

The outbreak is centered in the Bimbo health district of Ombella-M'Poko Prefecture. Cases have also been reported in the Mbaiki health district in the south, as well as in the Bangui 1, Bangui 2, and Bangui 3 health districts in the capital. Cholera has now spread to five of the country's 35 health districts.​..

 

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Central African Republic: Children account for nearly half of cholera cases

APA-Bangui (Central African Republic)APA-Bangui (Central African Republic)July 13, 2026 | 12:58

UNICEF is stepping up its support to the Central African authorities to contain a cholera outbreak that has already resulted in 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths, while the disease continues to spread along the Ubangi River.

UNICEF announced on Monday the strengthening of its support to the Central African Ministry of Health and Population in order to curb the cholera epidemic raging in the health districts of Bangui 2, Bimbo and Mbaïki, where children under 10 years old represent almost one in two cases.

Officially declared on June 26, 2026, after confirmation of the analyses by the Pasteur Institute of Bangui, the epidemic had recorded, as of July 6, 435 suspected cases and 36 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 8.3%. Children under 10 years of age constitute 44% of the recorded cases, illustrating their high vulnerability to the disease.

According to UNICEF, transmission continues to spread along the Ubangi River, which marks the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This situation is fueling concerns among health authorities due to the high mobility of populations and the strategic role of the river as a major transportation route.

" The high number of deaths, particularly those occurring at the community level, is deeply concerning and underlines the need for rapid access to care, clean water and reliable health information ," said UNICEF Representative in the Central African Republic, Félix Ackebo.

To bolster the response, the UN agency delivered treatment kits to care for up to 300 patients, distributed 2,000 doses of oral rehydration salts and zinc for community care, and set up additional tents to increase the capacity of the National Cholera Treatment and Referral Centre from 40 to 70 beds.

UNICEF also supports interventions in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which are considered essential to limit the spread of the disease.

Recalling that cholera can be prevented and treated when addressed promptly, the organization calls on people to seek immediate medical attention in case of acute watery diarrhea or vomiting, while adhering to hygiene measures, including handwashing, drinking water treatment and sanitation.

UNICEF affirms that it is continuing its collaboration with health authorities and humanitarian partners in order to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, improve access to care and contain the spread of this epidemic.

TE/Sf/APA

https://fr.apanews.net/health/rca-les-enfants-representent-pres-de-la-moitie-des-cas-de-cholera/

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Continued awareness-raising on Ebola and cholera through an interactive radio program

Posted by oubangui médias | July 13, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0|

Continued awareness-raising on Ebola and cholera through an interactive radio program

The Ministry of Public Health and Population held its traditional conference this Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the Health Information and Documentation Center (CIDS). This meeting was dedicated to the Ebola virus disease and cholera situation in the Central African Republic.

During this conference, health officials reiterated that the Central African Republic remains vigilant against the threat of Ebola virus disease, which is affecting neighboring countries. They assured that all measures are being taken to strengthen border surveillance, prepare healthcare facilities, and prevent any introduction of the virus into the country. To date, no cases of Ebola virus disease have been recorded in the Central African Republic.

Regarding cholera, the authorities provided an update on reported cases, community and hospital deaths, and ongoing response efforts, including free treatment for patients, awareness campaigns, and hygiene measures. They emphasized the importance of regular handwashing, drinking clean water, maintaining sanitation in living environments, and seeking prompt medical attention in cases of acute diarrhea or vomiting.

According to Dr. Jean Méthode Moyen, coordinator of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC), “Today, our goal is to inform the population about the epidemics and disease outbreaks facing our country. The messages we are conveying aim to raise awareness about the risks of importing Ebola virus disease, which is currently affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Given the increasing number of cases in these two countries, the Central African Republic must take all necessary measures to prepare for a possible importation of the virus, even though we hope this will not happen.”

Addressing the cholera situation, he stated: “To date, our country has recorded approximately 450 cases of cholera, including 36 deaths, of which 14 were in hospitals and 22 were in the community. The high number of community deaths is due to the fact that many people are seeking medical care too late. Therefore, we are appealing, through the media and journalists, to ensure that the public is better informed and consults a health center immediately upon the appearance of the first symptoms.”

In closing the discussions, officials from the Ministry of Public Health and Population called on Central Africans to remain vigilant, to respect preventive measures and to collaborate with health services in order to limit the spread of diseases with epidemic potential.

Freddy Ulrich Tanga

https://oubanguimedias.com/2026/07/...avers-une-emission-radiophonique-interactive/
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The United Nations emergency fund is allocating US$1 million to support the cholera response in the Central African Republic.

Format News and Press Release Source

• OCHA

Posted 22 Jul 2026 Originally published 22 Jul 2026

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Bangui, 22 July 2026 – The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated US$1 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support urgent efforts to contain the cholera outbreak in the Central African Republic (CAR). This funding will enable humanitarian partners to rapidly scale up life-saving interventions in the health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sectors, as well as community engagement.

The cholera outbreak was declared by the Government on June 26, following a rise in infections and deaths. To date, 650 suspected cases and 44 deaths have been reported. The cases have spread from Bimbo and Mbaïki to Bangui, increasing the risk of transmission in densely populated urban areas. The rainy season, low immunity in the population, limited access to clean water and sanitation services, and population movements along the Ubangi River are further exacerbating the situation. This is the first cholera outbreak in the country since 2016.

https://reliefweb.int/report/centra...poste-au-cholera-en-republique-centrafricaine
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Central African Republic: The cholera epidemic continues to cause concern

Since the official declaration of a cholera outbreak in the Central African Republic on June 26, more than 700 cases of the disease have been recorded, with approximately 40 deaths. While the government maintains that the situation is under control, the population remains on high alert. Lack of access to clean water, poor sanitation, and population displacement continue to fuel the spread of the bacteria.

Published on:04/08/2026 - 11:22
By : RFI
With our correspondent in Bangui, Rolf Steve Domia-leu

The cholera epidemic currently affecting the Central African Republic is also severely straining the country's health system, already weakened by a lack of resources and limited access to care in several regions. According to the Central African Ministry of Health, the disease is spreading rapidly along the Ubangi River , an area characterized by significant trade between populations, but also by limited access to clean water and sanitation.

The health districts of Bangui 2, Bimbo and Mbaïki are the most affected, according to the Minister of Health, Pierre Somsé: “ We have a total of 720 cases today, including 46 deaths. Of these 46 deaths, 15 occurred in hospital settings due to late arrival at the hospital. We began our response when there were 24 deaths in the community .”

600,000 doses of vaccine

Children are among the main victims, with those under 10 years old accounting for approximately 44% of recorded cases. To curb the spread of the epidemic , the Ministry of Health has announced the launch of a vaccination campaign in the coming days.

“ As part of the response [to the epidemic], we have sought the support of the international community, in particular Gavi [the Vaccine Alliance, editor's note] to obtain vaccines against cholera. Some 600,000 doses arriving this Tuesday have been granted to us. We will thus vaccinate the most exposed populations ,” he added.

Health authorities specify that treatment for people with cholera is completely free in the Central African Republic.

https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20260...-de-choléra-continue-de-susciter-l-inquiétude