The United Nations Children’s Fund has expressed deep concern over a sharp increase in cholera cases across West and Central Africa, naming Nigeria as the second most impacted country in the region.
Speaking on Wednesday, UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, highlighted the severity of the outbreak in Nigeria, calling it a recurring public health crisis.
“Cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, with the country experiencing recurrent major outbreaks in recent years,” he said.
Between January and June 2025, Nigeria recorded 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths across 34 states, according to Fagninou, placing the country among the hardest-hit in the region.
Fagninou warned that the epidemic poses a major threat to children, especially as seasonal rains increase the risk of flooding and displacement.
“Some 80,000 children were estimated to be at high risk of cholera in West and Central Africa as the rainy season began across the region,” he noted.
The rising number of cases, he said, is linked to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and unhygienic living conditions.
“Cholera was an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. The disease can be treated with oral rehydration solution and antibiotics, but can be fatal within hours if untreated,” Fagninou explained.
He emphasized that younger children are particularly at risk due to their vulnerability to severe dehydration and exposure to unsanitary environments.
“Young children are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to factors such as poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation and access to safe water and a greater risk of severe dehydration.”
Fagninou pointed out that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently facing the worst impact in the region, reporting over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July alone.
“Children under five years now account for nearly 26 per cent of cases in the DRC, and without stronger containment measures, they may face the worst cholera crisis since 2017,” he said.
In addition to Nigeria and the DRC, countries currently battling cholera outbreaks include Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. Other nations, such as Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon, are also under close watch due to their vulnerability.
Calling for urgent international action, Fagninou urged global partners and health agencies to intensify response efforts to contain the spread and reduce fatalities.
He noted that UNICEF is actively supporting affected areas by supplying essential health and sanitation materials, setting up treatment facilities, and promoting vaccinations.
“The agency has also supported cholera vaccinations, scaled up preparedness and response efforts and encouraged families to seek timely treatment and improve their hygiene practices.”
Fagninou stressed the critical nature of the situation and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to safeguarding children in the most vulnerable communities.
“We are in a race against time, working hand in hand with the authorities to deliver essential healthcare, safe water and proper nutrition to children already at risk of deadly diseases and severe acute malnutrition,” he stated.
He added that UNICEF’s collaboration with partner organizations is helping to improve public health education and expand outreach in remote locations.
“Together with an array of partners, we are strengthening community engagement and extending our reach to remote and underserved areas, making every effort to ensure that no child is left behind,” Fagninou said.
To strengthen its emergency response, UNICEF’s West and Central Africa office is urgently appealing for $20 million in funding over the next three months to support its health, water, sanitation, and community outreach programs.
