Children at Risk as Cholera Spreads in West, Central Africa

A UNICEF-supported cholera team add chlorine to water collected from a reservoir in Goma, in the DR Congo.

Some 80,000 children are estimated to be at high risk of cholera in West and Central Africa as the rainy season begins across the region, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday.

“The heavy rains, widespread flooding, and high levels of displacement are all fuelling the risk of cholera transmission and putting the lives of children at risk,” said Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. The disease can be treated with oral rehydration solutions and antibiotics but can be fatal within hours if left untreated.

Young children are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, limited access to safe water, and a greater risk of severe dehydration.

Active outbreaks in hotspots like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria are increasing the risk of cross-border transmission to neighbouring countries.

The DRC is the hardest-hit country in the region, reporting more than 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July. Children under five now account for nearly 26 per cent of cases. Without stronger containment measures, the country may face its worst cholera crisis since 2017.

The situation in the capital, Kinshasa, is particularly critical, as intense rainfall and widespread flooding have caused a sharp surge in cases over the past four weeks. The already overwhelmed healthcare system is now facing an alarming case fatality rate of eight per cent.

Nigeria is the second most affected country, with 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths as of the end of June. Cholera is endemic in Nigeria, where major outbreaks have recurred in recent years.

Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo are also facing ongoing epidemics.

As of 28 April, Ghana reported 612 cases. Côte d’Ivoire reported 322 cases and 15 deaths by 14 July, and Togo recorded 209 cases and five deaths by 22 June.

Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon are also under close surveillance due to their vulnerability.

Urgent and scaled-up efforts are needed to prevent further spread and contain the disease across the region.

Throughout the outbreaks, UNICEF has delivered lifesaving health, water, hygiene, and sanitation supplies to treatment facilities and communities.

The agency has also supported cholera vaccinations, scaled up preparedness and response efforts, and encouraged families to seek timely treatment and adopt improved hygiene practices.

“We are in a race against time, working hand in hand with authorities to deliver essential healthcare, safe water, and proper nutrition to children already at risk of deadly diseases and severe acute malnutrition,” said Mr. Fagninou.

“Together with a range of partners, we are strengthening community engagement and extending our reach to remote and underserved areas, making every effort to ensure that no child is left behind.”

UNICEF West and Central Africa urgently requires $20 million over the next three months to scale up critical support in health, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), risk communication, and community engagement.