Nigeria has been revealed to have the second highest number of cholera outbreaks in West and Central Africa. This was disclosed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) regional director, Gilles Fagninou, on Wednesday.
He expressed that cholera remains prevalent in the country, with recurring major outbreaks over the past few years. Nigeria recorded 3,109 cholera cases and 84 deaths across the 36 states of the country as of June 30.
This figure made Nigeria the second most affected by the disease in the West and Central Africa region. The UN official noted that the outbreak in the west and central regions constitutes a major problem for children.
According to him, 80,000 children are estimated to be at a high risk of cholera due to the rainy season in both regions. Heavy rains, widespread flooding and mass displacement increase the risk of cholera transmission, thereby putting the children’s lives at risk.
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He further disclosed that the democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has the highest number of cases in the region. Reports indicate that the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded more than 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July.
Additionally, Congo reportedly faces its worst cholera crisis since 2017, with children under five now accounting for 26% of cases. Chad, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo are also experiencing cholera outbreaks, raising concerns over the widespread disease.
UNICEF Demands $20 million to curb cholera transmission
Concerning preventive measures, Fagninou recommended urgent and scaled-up efforts to contain the disease across the region. Moreover, a sum of $20 million is requested by UNICEF West and Central Africa to scale up critical support in the health sector.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water containing a bacterium. The disease can be treated with oral rehydration and antibiotics, but it can be deadly within hours if untreated.
