Under-five Children At Risk of Cholera Outbreak, Says UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund on Sunday revealed that children under the age of five are vulnerable to cholera outbreaks.

This information was contained in a statement by the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier.

She said, “Recurrent Cholera outbreaks critically affect children and populations at large. These vulnerable groups face substantial health risks, particularly those under five who are prone to severe dehydration and higher mortality rates."

She explained that to combat the challenges of the disease required a deliberate focus of state policies to provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities, as well as strengthened healthcare systems in the country.

She added that the state should lead educational campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large.

She stated: “Educational disruption is yet another critical consequence of cholera outbreaks, as illness and the need to care for sick family members lead to school closures and reduced attendance, hindering children’s learning and development.

"There should be centres on good sanitation and hygiene practices. Key actions include proper disposal of faeces, eliminating open defecation, and ensuring access to potable water. Regular handwashing with clean, running water and soap is vital.

“Avoiding the consumption of uncooked vegetables, unwashed fruits, raw or undercooked seafood, and food from street vendors is important to reduce the risk of cholera infection."

She maintained that increasing access to safe drinking water, improving sanitation and hygiene, and better water management could prevent almost one-tenth of the global disease burden.