More than 80,000 children across West and Central Africa are at severe risk from a growing cholera crisis fueled by torrential rains, floods, and displacement, according to UNICEF. Ongoing outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria are spilling over into neighboring countries, with health systems stretched to their limits. UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, called the situation “a fight for survival,” warning that limited access to clean water and sanitation is accelerating the spread of the disease.
The DRC is facing its worst cholera outbreak in nearly a decade. In July alone, over 38,000 cases and 951 deaths were reported—more than a quarter of them children under five. Provinces like South Kivu, North Kivu, and Tanganyika are hardest hit due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, and contaminated water supplies. Kinshasa has seen a deadly surge in cases, with hospitals overwhelmed and a case fatality rate hitting 8%.
Nigeria, the second most affected country in the region, reported 3,109 cases and 86 deaths across 34 states as of June. In Chad, an outbreak at a refugee camp near the Sudan border has claimed four lives among 55 suspected cases. Lab results confirmed the presence of cholera-causing Vibrio cholerae. Overcrowding and unsafe drinking water are putting thousands of displaced children in danger.
Countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Liberia, Niger, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon are on alert for possible spread, with regional health authorities urging coordinated action. UNICEF is calling for immediate investments in clean water, sanitation infrastructure, and emergency medical supplies to prevent further loss of life. With the rainy season expected to continue through August and September, experts say time is running out to contain the outbreak. “Children are paying the highest price,” said Fagninou. “We must act now.”
