Abuja, Nigeria — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over the escalating cholera crisis in Nigeria, naming the country as the second most affected by the outbreak in West and Central Africa.
According to Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, cholera has become endemic in Nigeria, with recurrent outbreaks posing serious health risks—particularly to children.
“As of the end of June 2025, Nigeria recorded 3,109 suspected cases and 86 deaths from cholera across 34 states,” Fagninou stated during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Children at the Heart of the Crisis
The outbreak, driven by heavy rainfall, flooding, and large-scale displacement, poses a critical threat to vulnerable populations, especially children. UNICEF estimates that over 80,000 children in the region are at high risk of infection as the rainy season intensifies.
“Young children are disproportionately affected by cholera due to poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and higher vulnerability to severe dehydration,” Fagninou warned.
Regional Cholera Hotspots and Urgent Concerns
While Nigeria faces a growing caseload, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains the hardest-hit country in the region, with over 38,000 reported cases and 951 deaths in July alone. Children under five account for nearly 26% of cases in the DRC—raising fears of the worst cholera crisis since 2017.
Other countries currently battling active outbreaks include:
Chad
Republic of Congo
Ghana
Côte d’Ivoire
Togo
Additionally, Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon are under heightened surveillance due to their vulnerability to potential outbreaks.
UNICEF’s Emergency Response and Call for Funding
UNICEF has been actively responding to the crisis by delivering life-saving health supplies, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) materials, and mobile treatment units to affected communities. The agency is also supporting cholera vaccination campaigns, improving access to safe drinking water, and promoting risk communication to encourage early treatment and better hygiene practices.
“We are in a race against time,” said Fagninou. “UNICEF is working hand-in-hand with governments to provide critical healthcare, nutrition, and clean water—especially to children already facing severe acute malnutrition and exposure to deadly diseases.”
Despite these efforts, the agency warned that immediate financial support is critical. UNICEF is appealing for $20 million in emergency funding over the next three months to scale up its regional response, focusing on health, WASH, community engagement, and risk communication.
“Together with our partners, we are committed to reaching underserved and remote communities, ensuring no child is left behind in this fight against cholera,” Fagninou concluded.
