Angola is facing a deepening health emergency as a fast-spreading cholera outbreak now grips 17 of its 21 provinces. In response,l the Government of Angola and the World Health Organization (WHO) have reinforced their partnership to scale up urgent interventions and lay the groundwork for long-term health system resilience.
In meeting held in Luanda Health Minister Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta officially welcomed WHO’s newly appointed country representative, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika. Together they mapped out an intensified strategy to stop the spread of the disease,# which has infected over 14,000 people and claimed at least 505 lives since January 2025. Alarmingly nearly half of the cases are among those under the age of 20.
Dr. Lutucuta stressed the urgent need for unified, coordinated action says “an urgent national health emergency,”. “The spread is unprecedented and it’s devastating our children and communities”.
WHO’s response includes improved coordination across sectors, better case management and stronger disease surveillance systems. Public health messaging and targeted oral cholera vaccination drives in high-risk areas are also central to their plan.
Rapid response teams have been deployed, treatment centers set up, hygiene kits and clean water provided, and mass awareness campaigns launched across affected regions. Vaccination efforts are already underway with expansion plans in place.
While managing the immediate crisis remains the top priority, both Angola and WHO are committed to strengthening the country’s overall healthcare system. Their joint vision includes expanding healthcare access investing in WASH infrastructure improving disease detection systems and boosting community-based health programs.
Minister Lutucuta emphasized that fighting cholera will require a united front spanning health, sanitation, education, finance, and defense. “We’ve overcome cholera before, This time, we aim for more than just containment we aim for prevention and long-term resilience.”
With critical weeks ahead Angola is racing to save lives slow transmission and build a stronger health foundation for the future with WHO and global partners firmly at its side.
