The disease has been spreading in the Central African Republic since late June 2026. Following the first confirmed outbreak, case numbers rose sharply within a short period of time. On June 26, 174 new cases were reported. There were also repeated spikes in new cases throughout July. Children under the age of ten are particularly affected: they account for more than three-quarters of the fatalities.
Behind these numbers are people and families who often live under very difficult conditions. Many lack reliable access to clean drinking water, toilets, or medical care. The risk of further spread is particularly high in remote villages.
FAIRMED is where help is urgently needed
FAIRMED works directly with local health authorities and supports them in the fight against cholera. One focus is the Mbaiki-Mongoumba health district. There, the villages of Mongo, Ngotogbe, and Zinga, among others, are particularly hard hit. About half of the cases are concentrated in Mongo. Roughly 85 percent of the deaths occur in these three locations. Our local teams know the remote villages, the routes to them, and the people who otherwise have little access to doctors, medication, or clean drinking water. That is precisely why their work is so important.
FAIRMED helps identify cases of the disease early and treat people quickly. At the same time, our teams educate the population about how cholera is transmitted and how to protect themselves. They visit communities, collaborate with local health workers as well as religious and traditional leaders, and also use radio broadcasts to reach as many people as possible.
Another important part of the aid effort is clean water. FAIRMED supports families and communities with water purifiers and provides rehydration supplies. This is because cholera causes the body to lose fluids very quickly. Rapid rehydration can save lives.
The epidemic is not over yet
Even though the number of deaths has now declined, the situation remains tense. Case numbers fluctuate in waves and could rise again at any time. The densely populated areas of Bangui, as well as the villages along the rivers and in border regions, are particularly at risk.
That is why health authorities and local partners must remain vigilant: cases must be identified quickly, patients treated, and the population informed. At the same time, there is a need for better access to clean water, hygiene, and medical care.
Your support can save lives
For people in the affected villages, rapid assistance is crucial. A visit to the doctor, treatment, clean water, or simply information on how to protect oneself can mean the difference between life and death. With your donation, FAIRMED can continue to provide aid where the need is greatest: in medical care, prevention, education, and access to clean water.
Together, we can prevent a treatable disease from becoming a deadly catastrophe.
