Maiduguri/New York, June 24th – A cholera outbreak was declared in Borno state, Northeast Nigeria, in the first week of May 2026. To date, more than 16,300 persons have been admitted for treatment — the highest number in recent history of cholera in northern Nigeria — and 66 deaths have been recorded. The capacity of health facilities is being surpassed. Action Against Hunger Nigeria is actively supporting the Nigerian Government especially in Borno State, to respond to the ongoing outbreak in the region.
Action Against Hunger Responds to Cholera Outbreak in Borno, Nigeria
Since late May, the Cholera Treatment Centre at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Maiduguri, Borno State, recorded a rapid increase in cholera cases, reflecting sustained community transmission and growing pressure on existing health services. Across Borno State, three cholera treatment centers (CTCs) and seven treatment units (CTUs) were set-up. Action Against Hunger, in close coordination with the Borno State response team and partners, immediately established a dedicated Triaging Centre at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Njimtillo and in the Magumeri General Hospital CTU.
“Action Against Hunger Nigeria’s response and the establishment of dedicated triage centers aim at enhancing early detection, streamlining patient management, and providing critical support in curving the spread of the disease,” explains Thierno Samba Diallo, Action Against Hunger Country Director in Nigeria.
“Every day, the center receives over 65 confirmed cholera cases to manage, and some are referred to other treatment centers. There have been days we managed more than 100 cases in a single day, underscoring the urgency of this public health challenge and the importance of coordinated action,” he added. “Transmission pressure remains high with 506 admissions on 21 June, across the state. Four facilities (Ngarannam, IDH Njimtilo, Monguno, and Dalaram) are the most impacted and accounting for major new admissions.”
“Alongside the provision of medicine, healthcare staff, and disinfection activities, we also distribute cholera prevention kits and chlorinators to the most vulnerable communities,” said Diallo.
Action Against Hunger is facing operational challenges that have an impact on the effectiveness of the cholera response.
“Our significant concern is the late coming of patients at health facilities, which often results in more severe clinical conditions upon arrival. In addition, delays in patient referrals persist, most often due to the limited availability of ambulances,” said Diallo.
The management of cases is further complicated by the presence of co-morbidities among cholera patients, requiring more complex and resource-intensive care. Also, the limited operating hours of some Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs), which function only during daytime and weekends, restrict sometimes the timely access to essential treatment for affected populations.
Lack of Access to Healthcare and Hygiene: A Structural Problem in the Region
Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States, in Northeast Nigeria are facing an escalating humanitarian crisis driven by prolonged conflict, climate-related shocks and widespread displacement. In Borno, attacks from non-state armed groups have often resulted in the destruction of health facilities and medical supplies, leading to acute shortages of essential medicines and vaccines.
At the same time, access to water, sanitation, and hygiene has deteriorated significantly, particularly in areas affected by displacement.
“Ending cholera requires more than treatment; it requires prevention, community engagement, and mostly sustained investment in health systems, water infrastructure, and sustainable development,” says Thierno Samba Diallo.
Funding shortfalls since 2025 continue to significantly reduce access to life-saving assistance. Against this already fragile backdrop, climate change, insecurity, and systems under severe strain are expected to further exacerbate humanitarian needs in Nigeria this year. Collective efforts and more resources are needed both locally and internationally to curve the current trends and prevent future outbreaks in Borno and Northern Nigeria.
