UNICEF: Nigeria Reports Second-Highest Cholera Cases in West and Central Africa

UNICEF: Nigeria Reports Second-Highest Cholera Cases in West and Central Africa

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that Nigeria ranks second in the number of cholera cases reported across West and Central Africa.

Speaking on Wednesday, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, stated that cholera has become endemic in Nigeria, with the country facing frequent major outbreaks in recent years.

“Cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, with repeated significant outbreaks occurring over the years. As of the end of June, a total of 3,109 suspected cases and 86 deaths had been recorded across 34 states,” Fagninou said.

The UN official added that the figure made Nigeria the second most affected country in the West and Central Africa region.

He noted that the cholera outbreak in the West and Central African region posed a crisis for children.

He said 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.

According to him, the heavy rains, widespread flooding and the high level of displacement are all fuelling the risk of cholera transmission and putting the lives of children at risk.

He explained that 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 it can be fatal within hours if untreated.

“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.

“The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the hardest hit country in the region, reporting more than 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July.

“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,” the UNICEF official said.

He added that Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo were also facing ongoing epidemics.

Fagninou also noted that Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon are under close watch due to their heightened vulnerability to cholera outbreaks.

He emphasized the need for urgent and intensified efforts to curb the disease’s spread and contain it across the region.

According to him, UNICEF has already provided life-saving health supplies, clean water, hygiene and sanitation materials, as well as treatment facilities to affected communities since the onset of the outbreak.

“The agency has also supported cholera vaccination campaigns, strengthened preparedness and response strategies, and encouraged families to seek prompt treatment and adopt better hygiene practices,” he said.

Fagninou warned that time was critical, saying, “We are in a race against time, working closely with authorities to deliver essential healthcare, safe water, and adequate nutrition to children at risk of deadly diseases and severe acute malnutrition.”

He added that UNICEF, in collaboration with various partners, is boosting community engagement and extending support to remote and underserved areas to ensure that no child is left behind.

To scale up vital interventions in health, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), risk communication, and community outreach, Fagninou said UNICEF urgently needs $20 million over the next three months.