The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that Nigeria is the second most affected country by cholera in the West and Central Africa region. This was disclosed by Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the region, during a briefing on Wednesday.
According to Fagninou, cholera has become endemic in Nigeria, with recurrent and severe outbreaks in recent years. As of the end of June 2025, the country had recorded 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths across 34 states.
Fagninou described the cholera crisis in West and Central Africa as especially dangerous for children, with an estimated 80,000 children at high risk as the rainy season intensifies. He explained that the heavy rains, flooding, and large-scale displacement are key factors increasing the spread of the disease.
Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal infection, is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It can be fatal within hours if untreated, though it is manageable with oral rehydration solutions and antibiotics. Young children are particularly vulnerable due to poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and a higher likelihood of severe dehydration.
While the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the hardest-hit country—with over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July alone—Nigeria’s position as the second most affected underscores the scale of the public health challenge. In the DRC, children under five now account for nearly 26% of cholera cases.
Other countries experiencing ongoing cholera epidemics include Chad, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and the Republic of Congo. Nations like Niger, Liberia, Benin, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic are also under close watch due to heightened vulnerability.
To combat the outbreak, UNICEF has provided life-saving medical and sanitation supplies, established treatment centres, and supported cholera vaccination campaigns. The agency has also ramped up community engagement efforts to promote better hygiene and encourage timely medical treatment.
Fagninou emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that UNICEF needs an additional $20 million over the next three months to scale up interventions in health, water and sanitation (WASH), communication, and community outreach.
“We are in a race against time,” he warned, stressing that reaching underserved areas and protecting vulnerable children remain top priorities.
