Over 80,000 children at risk as cholera spreads in West, Central Africa

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that more than 80,000 children are at high risk of contracting cholera as the rainy season intensifies across West and Central Africa,

In a report released on Tuesday, the UN agency said the heightened risk is being driven by ongoing cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), raising the likelihood of cross-border transmission to neighbouring countries.

Other countries such as Chad, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo are also dealing with active epidemics.

Meanwhile, Niger, Liberia, Benin, Central African Republic, and Cameroon remain under close watch due to their vulnerability to infection.

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The UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, noted that 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 noted that with access to safe water and hygiene conditions already dire, urgent action is needed.

Cholera, an acute diarrheoal disease caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, can cause severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration, which can lead to death if not treated promptly.

Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable due to weaker immune systems, poor hygiene conditions, and limited access to clean water and healthcare.

Cholera crisis In DRC

The DRC has emerged as the epicentre of the current regional outbreak, recording more than 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July alone, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. Children under five account for over a quarter of all infections.

The worst-affected provinces include South Kivu, North Kivu, Haut Katanga, Tshopo, Haut Lomami, Tanganyika, and Maniema.

UNICEF warns that unless containment efforts are swiftly intensified, children in the DRC could face the worst cholera emergency since 2017.

In Kinshasa, the capital city, cholera cases have surged rapidly in the past month following heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.

The strain on an already overstretched health system has pushed the fatality rate to an alarming eight per cent.

Displaced children in Chad

In Chad, authorities have reported 55 suspected cases of cholera, including four deaths, at the Dougui refugee site, located near the Sudanese border.

Tests conducted on 24 July confirmed the presence of the cholera-causing bacteria in two samples.

The displaced population, which includes a large number of children, is living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

With limited access to clean drinking water and healthcare, the risk of a major outbreak remains dangerously high.

Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, among most affected

Nigeria remains one of the hardest hit countries, where cholera remains endemic.

As of June 2025, the country had recorded 3,109 suspected cases and 86 deaths across 34 states.

In Ghana, authorities have documented 612 cholera cases as of 28 April 2025. In Côte d’Ivoire, 322 cases and 15 deaths were confirmed as of 14 July.

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Togo reported 209 infections and five deaths as of 22 June. These figures reflect a growing regional health emergency and the need for coordinated international support.

Regional response

In response to the worsening outbreak, UNICEF has been delivering essential health and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) supplies to affected communities and treatment facilities.

The agency said it is also supporting cholera vaccination campaigns, encouraging timely treatment, and promoting improved hygiene practices.

To scale up emergency operations over the next three months, UNICEF is seeking $20 million to expand interventions in healthcare, WASH services, and risk communication across the most vulnerable countries.

“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,” Mr Fagninou said.