President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged fellow African leaders to work together to urgently stop the growing cholera crisis on the continent.
Speaking during a virtual emergency meeting of African heads of state and government on 4 June 2025, the president expressed serious concerns over the rising cholera cases and related deaths in 20 African Union member states.
During the meeting convened by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema under the African Union banner to urgently respond to the continent’s rising cholera cases, Nandi-Ndaitwah warned the situation needed fast and united action.
“Namibia aligns itself with the statements made thus far and expresses its profound concern regarding the escalating cholera crisis across the African continent. The reported cases and related deaths…are indeed alarming and demand immediate and coordinated action. We extend our deepest condolences to the affected nations and families,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said weak health systems, lack of clean water and sanitation, climate change, and insecurity are all making the outbreaks worse.
Although Namibia has had no epidemic-prone cholera cases since 2014, she said the country remains on high alert, especially due to the outbreak in neighbouring Angola.
“Our National Multi-Hazard Emergencies Preparedness and Response Plan, launched in March 2025, identified cholera as one of the 12 prioritised hazards in Namibia,” the President noted.
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She continued: “We have enhanced our surveillance systems, secured rapid diagnostic testing kits, and are actively monitoring water sources. Community education campaigns are ongoing, and we are strengthening the capacity of our healthcare workers.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah gave three key proposals to help Africa fight cholera effectively. She called for stronger regional surveillance and cross-border cooperation to detect and respond to outbreaks quickly, increased investment in clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, especially in vulnerable communities, and better emergency planning with faster response systems, including stockpiling essential supplies and training healthcare workers.
“We must enhance cross-border surveillance and information sharing to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks,” she said.
“Prioritise investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable communities… [and] strengthen national emergency preparedness and response plans,” she added.
She reaffirmed Namibia’s readiness to work with all AU member states, the Africa CDC, WHO, and other global partners.
“Namibia reiterates its commitment to working collaboratively … to address this urgent health crisis,” she said.