BANGUI, Central African Republic — Health authorities and humanitarian partners are stepping up efforts to contain cholera in the Central African Republic, as the waterborne disease continues to pose a serious threat to vulnerable communities.

WHO reported 716 cholera cases and 45 deaths in CAR between January 1 and July 26, 2026, with transmission particularly affecting communities along the Ubangi River near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. In July alone, 330 new cases and 14 deaths were reported.

The outbreak is also raising concerns for children. UNICEF reported in August that children under 10 represented 44% of reported cholera cases in the Central African Republic, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations during the ongoing epidemic.

Seasonal rainfall, flooding, population movements and limited access to safe water and sanitation are increasing the risk of transmission across affected communities.

UNICEF and partners are supporting authorities with disease surveillance, essential health supplies, safe-water access, sanitation measures, community awareness and oral cholera vaccination efforts. Regional coordination is also being strengthened because the outbreak is occurring across borders and along major population and trade routes.

WHO has warned that the situation requires continued surveillance because reported cases have declined from the July peak, but the trend needs to be monitored closely for any resurgence.

The health response now faces the dual challenge of treating patients while preventing new infections through clean water, better sanitation, vaccination and rapid disease detection.