Over 300 Cholera Cases Reported in Tigray, Linked to Gold Mining Areas

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Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa

September 24, 2025

Over 300 cases of cholera have emerged in the Tigray region as of September 18, 2025, according to a report by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Many of these infections have been traced to areas associated with gold mining activities.
Local stakeholders, as cited by ECHO, have identified cholera cases across six woredas: Selewa, Samre, Seyemti Adyabo, Maekel Adyabo, Adi Daero, and Zana.

The outbreak has recorded a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 3.1 percent, surpassing the emergency threshold. Notably, the majority of affected individuals are men, particularly those engaged in mining operations.
ECHO has also observed new cholera outbreaks in the Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions, although comprehensive and updated figures are not yet available.
In response to the outbreak, DG ECHO partners have mobilized resources through crisis modifiers, and the DG ECHO co-funded Ethiopia Rapid Response Mechanism has been activated. This response encompasses case management, distribution of supplies, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, as well as surveillance, risk communication, and community engagement initiatives.
Despite these proactive measures, ECHO has cautioned that the outbreak “remains uncontrolled for now,” indicating the urgent need for continued efforts to contain the spread of the disease.