“Heavy rains, generalized floods and high level of displacement are feeding the risk of cholera transmission and Put children's lives at risk“Said UNICEF regional director for Gilles Fagninou of Western and Central Africa.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated with bacteria. The disease can be treated with oral and antibiotic rehydration solution, but it can be fatal in a matter of hours if it is not.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to cholera due to factors such as poor hygiene, inappropriate sanitation and access to safe water and a higher risk of severe dehydration.
Regional access points
The active outbreaks in the critical points of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) and Nigeria are feeding the risk of cross -border transmission to neighboring countries.
The RDC is the hardest country in the region, informing More than 38,000 cases and 951 deaths in July.
Children under five years of age now represent almost 26 percent of cases in the RDC, and without stronger containment measures, they can face the worst crisis of anger since 2017.
The situation in the capital, Kinshasa, is particularly critical since heavy rains and generalized floods have caused cases to increase abruptly in the last four weeks. Feeling an overwhelmed health system, the city now faces a mortality rate of alarming boxes of eight percent.
Nigeria is the second most affected country in the region, with 3,109 Suspices of cholera cases and 86 deaths at the end of June. Cholera is endemic in the country, where important outbreaks have once again taken into account in recent years.
Regional crisis
Chad, Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Ivory and Togo coast also face ongoing epidemics.
A total of 612 cholera cases in Ghana were reported from April 28, 322 cases and 15 deaths in ivory coast from July 14 and 209 cases and five deaths in Togo as of June 22.
Niger, Liberia, Benin, the Central African Republic and Cameroon are also under narrow surveillance due to their vulnerability.
'A race against time'
Urgent efforts and escalations are needed to avoid greater spread and contain the disease throughout the region.
Throughout the outbreaks, UNICEF has delivered health, water, hygiene and sanitation supplies that save lives to treatment and treatment communities.
The agency has also supported cholera vaccines, expanded preparation and response efforts and encouraged families to seek timely treatment and improve their hygiene practices.
“We are in a race against time, working hand in hand with the authorities to offer essential medical attention, safe water and adequate nutrition to children who are already at risk of mortal diseases and severe acute malnutrition,” said Mr. Fagninou.
“Together with a variety of partners, we are strengthening the commitment of the community and extending our reach to remote and unattended areas, doing everything possible to ensure that no child is left behind. “
UNICEF West and Central Africa urgently require $ 20 million in the next three months to expand critical health, washing, risk communication and community participation.
