Cholera outbreak worsens in the DRC amid funding gaps: World Vision calls for urgent action to save lives. 

KINSHASA (May 23, 2025) — Christian humanitarian organization World Vision is deeply concerned about a cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where heavy rains and reduced humanitarian funding have worsened the crisis.

On May 5, the DRC’s Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare declared a cholera epidemic in six provinces: Haut Katanga, Tanganyika, North and South Kivu, Tshopo and Kongo Central. Since January, more than 18,385 cases and 364 deaths have been reported — a 2% fatality rate, well above the World Health Organization’s acceptable threshold.

Cholera is a deadly waterborne disease that spreads rapidly in areas lacking clean water and sanitation. It’s often found in contaminated water or food. It affects both children and adults and can be fatal without treatment. Recent torrential rains and flooding have made already vulnerable communities even more susceptible and shrinking humanitarian budgets are making matters worse.

“Every hour is precious. Entire families and thousands of children are at risk,” said Aline Napon, World Vision’s national director in the DRC. “We need rapid support to deploy vital actions: access to drinking water, hygiene kits, community awareness and medical care. We call on all financial partners to act now to save lives.”

World Vision reaffirms its commitment and presence on the ground but cannot face the scale of the crisis alone. World Vision is calling on:

• Donors to urgently increase funding for clean water and sanitation, health, and emergency response sectors,
• Humanitarian partners to strengthen coordination and advocacy for a collective response,
• Congolese institutions to facilitate access to affected areas and support humanitarian response efforts.

“Humanitarian action cannot wait,” urged Napon. “Every day without a response, lives are needlessly lost. There is still time to save lives. But for that to be achieved, the necessary resources must be made available.”

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.