WHY DRC cholera outbreak still matters despite slight decline

A slight decline in suspected cholera cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has not eased concerns, as deaths increased and transmission remains widespread, according to a recent government update .

During the Council of Ministers meeting on April 10, authorities reported that suspected cases dropped marginally from 1,161 to 1,157 in the past week. However, 12 deaths were recorded, pushing the case fatality rate to 1%, compared to 0.5% the previous week.

Despite the slight decline, the overall weekly caseload remains above 1,000, signaling that the outbreak is still active nationwide. According to health situation reports, cholera continues to affect multiple provinces, with eastern regions such as South Kivu among the most impacted (ReliefWeb).

South Kivu recorded the highest burden during the reporting period, with 234 suspected cases and six deaths. In Kinshasa, authorities registered 51 suspected cases with no fatalities, down from 89 cases in the previous week.

Concerns are also growing over outbreaks in detention facilities. In Mbanza-Ngungu prison, suspected cases have been reported since late March following the transfer of inmates from Luozi prison. As of April 8, the cumulative total had reached 160 cases, including 13 deaths, affecting two of the facility’s 11 cellblocks. Similar prison outbreaks have previously been linked to overcrowding and sanitation challenges in the country.

Authorities say response measures are ongoing to contain the spread, but the persistence of cases across regions highlights continuing gaps in water, sanitation and healthcare access.