Nigeria Grapples with Endemic Cholera as UNICEF Warns of Escalating Regional Crisis
Nigeria is facing a severe and persistent cholera crisis, with UNICEF reporting that the country holds the second-highest number of cholera cases in West and Central Africa. The outbreak has become endemic, posing an ongoing threat, particularly to vulnerable children.
Key Findings and Concerns from UNICEF:
Second Highest Burden: As of the end of June 2025, Nigeria recorded 3,109 suspected cholera cases and 86 deaths across 34 states, making it the second most affected country in the West and Central Africa region. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently the hardest hit, reporting over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July.
Endemic Nature: UNICEF's Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, highlighted that cholera remains endemic in Nigeria, with the country experiencing recurrent major outbreaks in recent years. This means the disease is consistently present within the population.
High Risk for Children: An estimated 80,000 children are at high risk of cholera across West and Central Africa as the rainy season intensifies. Children, especially those under five, are particularly vulnerable due to factors like poor hygiene, inadequate sanitation, limited access to safe water, and a higher susceptibility to severe dehydration. In the DRC, children under five now account for nearly 26% of cases.
Fueling Factors: The heavy rains, widespread flooding, and high levels of displacement across the region are all significantly fueling the risk of cholera transmission. These conditions compromise access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are crucial for preventing the spread of the disease.
Urgent Appeal for Funding: UNICEF is appealing for $20 million over the next three months to scale up its emergency cholera response across West and Central Africa. This funding is critical to provide life-saving support in health, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, and risk communication and community engagement.
Impact and Response in Nigeria:
Affected States: Cholera cases have been reported across a significant number of states in Nigeria, indicating a widespread problem. For example, Zamfara State activated its public health emergency operations center for cholera on July 3, 2025, with 1,619 suspected cases and 31 deaths reported as of July 9.
UNICEF's Efforts: UNICEF is actively involved in the response, delivering life-saving health and WASH supplies to treatment facilities and communities. They are also supporting cholera vaccination campaigns in affected areas and promoting improved hygiene practices and timely treatment-seeking behaviors among families.
Community Engagement: Efforts are being made at the community level to combat the outbreak, including initiatives to chlorinate wells and water sources and sensitize residents on cholera prevention. The Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) is being deployed as a powerful tool to protect communities.
The ongoing cholera crisis in Nigeria, exacerbated by seasonal rains and humanitarian challenges, underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts in improving WASH infrastructure, enhancing surveillance, and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to protect lives, especially those of children.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
