‘The risks are higher’ — UNICEF calls for protection of children against cholera outbreak

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for extensive measures to protect schoolchildren against the cholera outbreak in the country.

As of Sunday, 15 people had died and over 60 had been hospitalised in Lagos following reports of a severe outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by cholera.

In a statement on Monday, Celine Lafoucriere, chief of the UNICEF Lagos field office, said cholera “critically affects” children and the young population, noting that efforts should be made to protect them.

Lafoucriere said the vulnerable groups face substantial health risks and are prone to severe dehydration and high mortality rates.

She also called for efforts to prevent disruption in the academic calendar over the spread of the disease.

“There is, therefore, an urgent need for good sanitation, hygiene practices, improved access to clean water, and regular handwashing with soap and clean water in order to combat the outbreak in schools,” the statement reads.

Lafoucriere further called for adequate awareness in the country to sensitise the public on the outbreak and preventive measures.

On Thursday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said it had confirmed 30 deaths and 65 cholera cases in 2024.

Here are six ways to reduce the risk of contracting cholera infection.