Heavy rains, widespread flooding, and mass displacement are intensifying the spread of cholera across West and Central Africa, putting millions—especially young children—at grave risk. “These conditions are fuelling the risk of cholera transmission and putting the lives of children at risk,” warned Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa. Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal disease caused by contaminated food or water, can be fatal within hours if untreated. Children under five remain the most vulnerable due to limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria are at the epicenter of the crisis, with the DRC reporting over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths by July 2025—its worst outbreak since 2017. Children make up 26% of cases, with Kinshasa facing an alarming fatality rate of 8% as flooding overwhelms its health system. Nigeria follows with over 3,000 suspected cases and 86 deaths, while Chad, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo are also battling active outbreaks. Neighboring countries including Niger, Benin, and Cameroon remain under high alert.
UNICEF is leading an emergency regional response, delivering health, water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies to affected areas, supporting vaccination drives, and promoting hygiene awareness to curb transmission. “We are in a race against time,” said Fagninou, emphasizing the need for immediate international support. UNICEF urgently requires $20 million over the next three months to scale up lifesaving interventions and strengthen community resilience across the region.
