It is estimated that 80,000 children exposed to a high risk of cholera, while the rainy season begins in West Africa and Central Africa.
Dakar, July 30, 2025 – The increased risk of cholera spread is due to active epidemics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, which increase the risk of cross -border transmission to neighboring countries. Chad, the Republic of Congo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo are also faced with in progress epidemics, while Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic and Cameroon remain under close surveillance due to their vulnerability. Urgent and reinforced efforts are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease and contain it throughout the region.
“Strong rains, generalized floods and massive displacements of populations feed the risk of cholera transmission and endanger the lives of children”, said Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF regional director for West Africa and Central Africa. “Access to drinking water and already precarious hygiene conditions is urgent. This is a question of survival. »»
Aggravating conditions: rains, floods, displacement of populations
In the DRC, The most affected country in the region, the Ministry of Health reported in July more than 38,000 cases and 951 deaths, children under the age of five representing 25.6 % of cases. Children, especially those under the age of five, are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to factors such as lack of hygiene, the absence of sanitary facilities and drinking water, and their greatest sensitivity to severe dehydration. The most affected provinces are South Kivu, North Kivu, Haut-Katanga, Tshopo, Haut-Lomami, Tanganyika and Maniema. The children of the DRC may know the worst cholera crisis since 2017 if the measures aimed at stemming the epidemic are not reinforced.
The situation in Kinshasa has become critical, with a strong increase in cholera cases in the past four weeks, following heavy rain and generalized floods. With the additional pressure that weighs on an already overwhelmed health system, the city is now faced with a high number of notifications and with an alarming mortality rate of 8 %.
In Chad, 55 Suspectful cases of cholera, including four deaths, were reported in the Dougui refugee camp, about 103 kilometers from Abéché, near the Sudanese border. The Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholerae in two samples taken on July 24.
The displaced population, composed mainly of children, lives under extremely precarious conditions, characterized by overcrowding, lack of drinking water, lack of sanitary facilities and limited access to health care. These factors create an environment very conducive to the rapid spread of cholera if preventive and urgent intervention measures are not implemented.
At the end of June, Nigeria had recorded 3,109 suspicious cases of cholera and 86 deaths in 34 states, making it the second most affected country in the West and Central Africa region. Cholera remains endemic to Nigeria, which has experienced major major epidemics in recent years.
In Ghana, 612 cholera cases were reported on April 28, 2025. In Ivory Coast, 322 cases and 15 deaths were reported on July 14, 2025. Au Togo, 209 cases of cholera and five deaths were reported on June 22, 2025.
A race against the clock to save lives
Since the start of epidemics, UNICEF provides health, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) vital equipment to treatment centers and communities, supports vaccination against cholera in affected areas and encourages families to care quickly and improve their hygiene practices, while strengthening preparation and intervention efforts in countries at risk.
In order to intensify its emergency intervention against cholera throughout the region over the next three months, UNICEF West and Center Africa needs $ 20 million to provide essential support in the fields of health, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as risk communication and community mobilization.
“We are in a race against the clock and work hand in hand with the authorities to provide essential health care, drinking water and an adequate diet for children already exposed to fatal diseases and severe acute malnutrition”, said Gilles Fagninou. “With the help of many partners, we strengthen community engagement and extend our field of action to remote and un served areas, by doing everything in their power to make no child left. »»