“The heavy rains, widespread floods, and high levels of displacement all increase the risk of cholera transmission, endangering children’s lives,” said UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria. It can be treated with oral rehydration solutions and antibiotics, but it can be fatal within hours if untreated.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to factors like poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, limited access to safe water, and a higher risk of severe dehydration.
Epidemics in the hotspots of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria increase the risk of cross-border transmission to neighboring countries.
The DRC is the hardest-hit country in the region, reporting over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July.
Children under five now account for almost 26% of cases in the DRC, and without stronger containment measures, they could face the worst cholera crisis since 2017.
The situation in the capital, Kinshasa, is critical as intense rainfall and widespread floods have caused a significant increase in cases over the past four weeks. Straining an already overburdened health system, the city now faces an alarming death rate of 8%.
Nigeria is the second most affected country in the region, with 3,109 suspected cases of cholera and 86 deaths by late June. Cholera is endemic in the country, where major outbreaks have reoccurred in recent years.
Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo are also dealing with ongoing epidemics.
A total of 612 cholera cases were reported in Ghana by April 28, 322 cases and 15 deaths in Côte d’Ivoire by July 14, and 209 cases and five deaths in Togo by June 22.
Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon are also under close monitoring due to their vulnerability.
Urgent efforts and scaling up are needed to prevent further spread and contain the disease in the region.
Throughout the epidemics, UNICEF has delivered health, water, hygiene, and sanitation supplies to treatment facilities and communities.
The agency has also supported cholera vaccinations, increased preparedness and response efforts, and encouraged families to seek timely treatment and improve their hygiene practices.
“We are in a race against time, working alongside the authorities to provide essential healthcare, safe water, and appropriate nutrition to children already at risk of deadly diseases and severe acute malnutrition,” said Fagninou.
“With a range of partners, we are strengthening community engagement and extending our reach to remote and underserved areas, aiming to ensure no child is left behind.”
UNICEF West and Central Africa require $20 million over the next three months to enhance critical health, sanitation, risk communication, and community engagement support.
Leave a Reply