The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe cholera epidemic that, since the beginning of 2025, has affected 17 of the country’s 26 provinces, including the capital, Kinshasa. To date, approximately 33,000 cases have been recorded. The capital is particularly hard hit, with 25 of its 35 health zones impacted, among them the Kokolo military camp. This camp is a “city within a city,” complete with housing, schools, churches, shops, and a referral hospital.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has set up its first epidemic response center at the Kokolo hospital. A triage tent has been installed at the
entrance, ensuring that anyone with symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting is immediately directed to the treatment unit. Dr. Théophile Lukembe, MSF’s medical coordinator, emphasizes the importance of hygiene, reminding the public that cholera is transmitted by “dirty hands” and can be contracted by ingesting the Vibrio cholerae bacterium.
Currently, Kinshasa is recording around 130 new
cases per week. However, the Kokolo health zone is showing slight improvement: in week 26 of 2025, 138 patients were admitted, while the following week saw cases drop to 112. Monitoring is constant, with health teams updating data daily.
Among the patients is Alain, who has begun to recover after days of illness. He recounts going to the hospital after four days of persistent symptoms, without realizing it was cholera. His case is emblematic of the low awareness among the population, which is why authorities and health organizations are stressing the need to strengthen prevention and public sensitization efforts
