UNICEF has issued a warning about the significant impact of recurrent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria, especially on children.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported increasing cases of cholera, with 30 deaths, 1,141 suspected, and 65 confirmed cases across 96 local government areas in 30 states. Key states severely affected include Bayelsa, Zamfara, and Lagos.
The NCDC’s updated figures show a rise to 1,213 suspected cases with 74 confirmed. Additionally, two suspected cholera cases were reported in Oyo State, prompting the Ogun and Oyo state governments to implement precautionary measures.
UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, emphasized the urgent need for clean water to prevent further spread, noting that children under five are particularly at risk.
She stressed the importance of water and sanitation infrastructure to reduce disease outbreaks.
The Oyo State government has responded with measures including enhanced surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and the activation of the Cholera Technical Working Group. Ogun State has mandated all homes to install toilets within three to six months and required public facilities to have proper sanitation to combat the outbreak.