WHO Warns of Disease Outbreak in Flood-Hit Southern Africa

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concerns over potential outbreaks of water-borne diseases in flood-affected areas across southern Africa.

Preliminary assessments indicate that about half of those affected are in Mozambique, with floods also impacting Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, warned that displaced populations face heightened risks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera due to overcrowding and limited access to hygiene and sanitation facilities.

He added, “Our immediate focus is preventing disease outbreaks, maintaining essential health services, saving lives, and protecting the most vulnerable communities.”

The UN agency said urgent humanitarian needs include shelter, safe water, and access to essential health services.

Since mid-December 2025, heavy rains and flooding have affected approximately 1.3 million people in the region, destroying homes, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting healthcare access.