Cholera still endemic in Nigeria — UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s ongoing cholera crisis, warning that the disease remains endemic and continues to pose a significant threat to children across West and Central Africa.

Speaking on Wednesday, UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, revealed that Nigeria recorded 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths across 34 states as of the end of June 2025.

This places Nigeria as the second most affected country in the region, behind the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

“Cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, with recurrent major outbreaks in recent years,” Fagninou said, warning that the current rainy season, combined with flooding and mass displacement, is increasing the risk of transmission, especially among children.

He disclosed that over 80,000 children in West and Central Africa are currently at high risk of cholera infection, largely due to poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and malnutrition.

In the DRC alone, over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths have been reported this July, with children under five accounting for nearly 26% of infections.

Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo are also grappling with active outbreaks, while countries like Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon remain under close surveillance due to their vulnerability.

Fagninou emphasized that cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water, and can become fatal within hours if left untreated.

He noted that despite being treatable with oral rehydration and antibiotics, many communities lack timely access to care.

In response, UNICEF has been delivering essential health, water, hygiene, and sanitation supplies to affected communities and supporting cholera vaccination campaigns.

The agency has also scaled up its preparedness and response efforts and is working with governments and partners to improve hygiene practices and encourage early treatment-seeking behavior.

“We are in a race against time,” Fagninou said.

“Our priority is to reach vulnerable children with life-saving interventions, especially in remote and underserved areas.”

UNICEF has appealed for $20 million in emergency funding over the next three months to expand its health, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and risk communication efforts across the region.