Cholera Rapidly Spreading Across West and Central Africa, Threatening Millions of Children

UNICEF reports that cholera is rapidly spreading across West and Central Africa, with outbreaks now affecting six countries and placing millions of children at increasing risk. Seasonal rains, flooding, population displacement, and cross-border transmission are accelerating the spread of this preventable disease. Active outbreaks are accelerating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic (CAR), where children comprise a high percentage of those affected. Nigeria currently has the largest reported cholera outbreak in the region, with over 50,000 cumulative cases and 338 deaths reported since January 1, 2026. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported more than 30,400 cases and nearly 700 deaths, the highest death toll among affected countries.