UNICEF Warns as Nigeria Records Over 50,000 Cholera Cases in Regional Outbreak

UNICEF has warned that cholera outbreaks are worsening across West and Central Africa, with active outbreaks reported in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Congo, Chad, Cameroon and the Central African Republic. Nigeria has recorded the highest number of cases in the region. UNICEF said more than 50,000 cumulative cases and 338 deaths were reported nationwide between January 1 and the end of July 2026, with Borno State facing a major outbreak. The agency said heavy rainfall, flooding, displacement and cross-border movements are accelerating transmission. Flooding can contaminate water sources, damage sanitation facilities and restrict access to vulnerable communities. UNICEF is seeking an additional $15 million for emergency action over the next six months, including clean water, sanitation, disease surveillance, medical supplies and oral cholera vaccination. It stressed that cholera is preventable and treatable, but warned that delayed action could cost more lives, especially among children.

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