Grace Edema The United Nations Children’s Fund says children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to severe dehydration and higher mortality rates during cholera outbreaks. In a statement by the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, on Saturday, it was noted that addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus on state policies to provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities. Also needed, she noted, is strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks.
Lafoucrier added that the state should lead educational campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large. She stated, “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.
“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. “Similarly, post-recovery issues in children can include malnutrition, stunted growth, and weakened immune systems, increasing susceptibility to other diseases,” she said. The UNICEF chief noted that sustainable WASH infrastructure strengthened health systems capable of anticipating epidemics and effective comm.
