Cholera Sparks Crisis for 80,000 Children in West and Central Africa

Approximately 80,000 children face significant danger from cholera as intense rainfall impacts West and Central Africa, intensifying epidemics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, and sparking concerns about the disease spreading between countries. As floods, population displacements, and overburdened healthcare systems worsen the situation, UNICEF emphasizes that immediate measures must be taken to avoid a major increase in infections.

Floods and Relocation Lead to Disease Outbreaks

Persistent outbreaks of cholera in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria are increasing dangers for nearby nations such as Chad, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo.

Nigeria, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon are also under heightened attention because of their susceptibility.

Extreme rainfall, floods, and large-scale movement of people are forming an ideal environment for the spread of cholera," stated Gilles Fagninou, the UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa. "Given the limited availability of clean water and proper sanitation, this has become a battle for existence.

DR Congo Experiences Most Severe Cholera Outbreak in Recent Years

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been the most severely affected country in the area, reporting more than 38,000 cases and 951 fatalities during July — 25.6% of whom were children below the age of five.

Provinces at high risk are South Kivu, North Kivu, and Tanganyika, where inadequate hygiene conditions and restricted availability of safe drinking water heighten susceptibility.

The capital city, Kinshasa, has seen a rise in cases after several weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding, causing hospitals to become overwhelmed.

The city's mortality rate from the disease has climbed to 8%, indicating severe pressure on medical services. If immediate action isn't taken, the nation might experience its most significant cholera epidemic since 2017.

Chad and Nigeria Face Increasing Numbers of Cases

Fifty-five probable cases were recorded in Chad at the Dougui refugee camp close to the Sudanese frontier, including four fatalities.

Test results showed the existence of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium responsible for the illness, with homeless children being especially vulnerable because of crowded conditions and contaminated water.

In the meantime, Nigeria, the second-hardest-hit nation in the region, reported 3,109 infections and 86 fatalities in 34 states as of June.

Cholera continues to be present in the region, with periodic epidemics placing additional pressure on an already weak healthcare infrastructure.

Call for Immediate Action

UNICEF along with local health officials are calling for an accelerated expansion of clean water availability, hygiene facilities, and healthcare resources to prevent the spread.

Kids are bearing the greatest consequences," Fagninou stressed. "We need to take action immediately to stop more deaths.

With the arrival of the rainier months, the opportunity to manage the situation is shrinking — highlighting the importance of unified regional action in safeguarding at-risk populations.