The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that Nigeria currently has the second-highest number of cholera cases in West and Central Africa.
Speaking on Wednesday, Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said the cholera outbreak in Nigeria has become a persistent public health challenge.
“Cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, with the country experiencing recurrent major outbreaks in recent years,” Fagninou stated. “As of the end of June, Nigeria recorded 3,109 suspected cases and 86 deaths across 34 states.”
This figure places Nigeria as the second most affected country in the region, after the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which recorded over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July alone. Children under the age of five reportedly account for nearly 26% of cases in the DRC.
Fagninou emphasized the growing threat cholera poses to children across West and Central Africa, with around 80,000 children estimated to be at high risk as the rainy season intensifies. He noted that widespread flooding, heavy rains, and large-scale displacement are significantly increasing the risk of transmission.
Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal disease typically spread through contaminated food or water. Though treatable with oral rehydration solutions and antibiotics, it can become fatal within hours if left untreated. Children are particularly vulnerable due to poor hygiene, lack of clean water, and increased risk of dehydration.
Other countries currently battling cholera outbreaks include Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon are also under close watch due to their high vulnerability.
UNICEF has been actively responding to the crisis by delivering critical supplies, such as healthcare materials, clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) kits, and setting up treatment facilities. The agency has also supported cholera vaccination campaigns, strengthened preparedness and response systems, and urged communities to seek prompt treatment and improve hygiene practices.
“We are in a race against time,” Fagninou said. “Working alongside governments, we are delivering vital health services, clean water, and nutrition support to children who are already at risk of deadly diseases and severe malnutrition.”
UNICEF is calling for an urgent $20 million in funding over the next three months to intensify its health, WASH, risk communication, and community engagement efforts across the region.
“We are committed to reaching remote and underserved communities,” Fagninou concluded, “and ensuring no child is left behind.”
0 Comments