A cholera outbreak was declared in Borno state, Northeast Nigeria, in the first week of May 2026. To date, cumulative admissions have reached more than 16,300 persons affected by the disease, the highest number in recent history of cholera in northern Nigeria, and 66 deaths have been recorded, surpassing the capacity of health facilities. Action Against Hunger Nigeria is actively supporting the Nigerian Government, particularly in Borno State, in responding to the ongoing outbreak in the region.
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 centres (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.
Thierno Samba Diallo, Country Director in Nigeria for Action Against Hunger, said:
“ACF Nigeria’s response and the establishment of dedicated triage centres aim at enhancing early detection, streamlining patient management, and providing critical support in curbing the spread of the disease.
“Every day, the centre receives over 65 confirmed cholera cases to manage, and some are referred to other treatment centres. 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. 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 drugs, human resources (doctors, nurses) and disinfection activities, we also distribute cholera prevention kits and chlorinators to the most vulnerable communities.”
Action Against Hunger is facing operational challenges that have impacted the effectiveness of its 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,” added 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, sometimes restrict the timely access to essential treatment for affected populations.
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 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 2026 in Nigeria. Collective efforts and additional resources are needed, both locally and internationally, to curb current trends and prevent future outbreaks in Borno and Northern Nigeria.