By JOY ADARA, Abuja –
Nigeria is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, with the country recording the second-highest number of cases in West and Central Africa.
According to UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, cholera has become endemic in Nigeria, with recurrent major outbreaks in recent years.
As of June, Nigeria reported 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths across 34 states.
Vulnerability of children
The cholera outbreak poses a significant crisis for children in the region, with approximately 80,000 children estimated to be at high risk as the rainy season begins. Heavy rains, widespread flooding, and displacement are fueling the risk of cholera transmission, putting children’s lives at risk. Young children are particularly vulnerable due to poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to safe water, making them more susceptible to severe dehydration.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the hardest-hit country in the region, with over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths reported in July. Children under five years account for nearly 26% of cases in the DRC, and without stronger containment measures, they may face the worst cholera crisis since 2017.
Other countries facing ongoing epidemics include Chad, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
UNICEF has delivered life-saving health, water, hygiene, and sanitation supplies, as well as treatment facilities to communities since the outbreak.
The agency has also supported cholera vaccinations, scaled up preparedness and response efforts, and encouraged families to seek timely treatment and improve hygiene practices. UNICEF is working with authorities to provide essential healthcare, safe water, and proper nutrition to children at risk of deadly diseases and severe acute malnutrition.
UNICEF West and Central Africa urgently requires $20 million over the next three months to scale up critical support in health, WASH, risk communication, and community engagement.
The agency said it is working to strengthen community engagement and extend its reach to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that no child is left behind.
