Cholera Outbreak Alarm: Protecting Children in West and Central Africa

(Photos: YouTube Screenshots) - On Wednesday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that around 80,000 children in Central and West Africa face an acute risk of cholera infection. Gilles Fagninou, the regional director for West and Central Africa at UNICEF, emphasized that “heavy rains, extensive flooding, and significant displacement are all exacerbating the risk of cholera transmission and endangering children’s lives.”The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria are identified as the regions most severely impacted by cholera. Concern is growing about possible cross-border transmission into neighboring countries. In July, the DRC reported over 38,000 cholera cases and 951 fatalities, with 25 percent of cases affecting children under five. Kinshasa has experienced a marked spike due to heavy rain and flooding. Nigeria follows with approximately 3,109 suspected cases and 86 deaths as of late June.The cholera crisis similarly threatens Ghana, Chad, Republic of Congo, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, prompting vigilant monitoring in other vulnerable nations like Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Liberia, and Niger.Fagninou warned, "We are in a race against time, working closely with authorities to provide essential healthcare, safe water, and adequate nutrition to children at risk of severe diseases and malnutrition.”