The Central African Republic has officially declared a cholera epidemic following the confirmation of 197 cases and 24 deaths in the Bimbo and Mbaïki districts. The announcement, made on June 26, 2026, comes as the country continues to grapple with the ongoing threat of Ebola, straining its healthcare system. Authorities have initiated barrier measures and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of the waterborne disease, which thrives in conditions of poverty and limited access to clean water and sanitation. This marks the fifth cholera epidemic in the country’s history, with the last occurring in 2016. The government is appealing for a comprehensive mobilization of health services, partners, and the population to contain the potentially fatal outbreak. Cholera is an acute infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food.