UNCERF allocates $1 million to support response to cholera outbreak in Republic of Congo

With a cholera epidemic striking the Republic of Congo since late July, the United Nations is mobilizing with determination to save lives and protect the most vulnerable.

To date, 62 deaths and 628 suspected cases have been reported. The most affected areas—Mbamou Island and Talangaï in the Brazzaville department, as well as Mossaka-Loukolela in the Congo-Oubangui department—are particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of the disease, mainly due to their proximity to isolated rural areas and river corridors. The lethality rate has risen from 7.6% at the end of August to 9.9%, reflecting the spread of the disease.

The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) has just allocated $1 million to support the national response. These vital funds will strengthen medical care and improve drinking water supply and sanitation in the most affected areas.

The Ministry of Health and Population, with the support of United Nations agencies present in the Republic of Congo, has put in place a coordinated response through a national response plan aligned with the global cholera elimination strategy.

This plan is based on an integrated approach aimed at treating patients, preventing new cases, and mobilizing communities to adopt protective behaviors.

In addition, as part of this response, on September 10, 2025, the Republic of Congo received a total of 137,817 doses of oral cholera vaccines, delivered via United Nations agencies. This emergency vaccination campaign aims to protect the most vulnerable populations, reduce the number of new cases, and contain the epidemic in high-risk areas. This emergency vaccination campaign represents a protective shield for the most vulnerable populations and a tangible hope for containing the epidemic in high-risk areas.

The United Nations is working closely with the Congolese authorities to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, improve the capacity of local health personnel, and ensure the rapid delivery of medicines and supplies to the most remote areas. Particular attention is being paid to the river corridor, where vulnerable populations are more difficult to reach but remain most at risk of infection.

This CERF funding comes at a crucial time, as the country steps up its efforts to contain the epidemic. It will save lives, prevent the spread of cholera to neighboring departments, and support the government's efforts to end this health crisis.

This intervention comes at the most crucial moment, when every day counts in containing the spread of the disease. Beyond the figures and statistics, this funding represents lives saved thanks to improved medical care and families protected by better access to drinking water.