The World Health Organization has reported that cholera cases in Southern Africa have surged more than sevenfold in early 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, highlighting the severe impact of cyclones and subsequent flooding. Specifically, between January 1 and February 15, 2026, the region recorded 4,320 cholera cases and 56 deaths, contrasting sharply with 586 cases and 11 deaths reported during the same timeframe in 2025. This alarming rise occurs against a backdrop of a general decline in cholera cases across Africa as a whole, where a 47% decrease was noted compared to 2025.

Five countries within Southern Africa—Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—are currently in the grip of cholera outbreaks, largely exacerbated by inadequate water and sanitation facilities among displaced populations. The ongoing crisis marks Southern Africa as a cholera hotspot since 2023, with significant outbreaks reported during the cyclonic events between 2023 and 2024. The combination of natural disasters, infrastructure challenges, and displacement has thus created an environment ripe for cholera transmission, with many affected communities lacking basic health services.

This surge in cholera cases emphasizes the need for urgent humanitarian intervention and improved sanitation infrastructure in the region. The WHO and other health organizations are likely to ramp up their efforts to combat the outbreak, calling for resources and support to address the health crisis and prevent further loss of life. The situation underlines the broader implications of climate change and its effects on public health, particularly in vulnerable regions prone to extreme weather events that disrupt lives and livelihoods.