Washington, July 23: A cholera outbreak in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno State has resulted in nearly 200 deaths over the past two months due to a lack of clean water and adequate sanitation and health services. This alarming information was reported by the international medical humanitarian organization, Doctors Without Borders (known globally as Médecins Sans Frontières – MSF).
In a statement released on Wednesday, MSF expressed concern over the escalating outbreak and warned that, despite ongoing relief efforts, the disease could overwhelm local health facilities. According to data from the Borno State government, as of July 12, at least 198 people had died, with over 35,500 suspected cases reported.
The organization noted that it has treated more than 24,000 suspected cholera patients in collaboration with government health officials and humanitarian partners by July 12. According to the Xinhua news agency, the inadequate availability of clean water, sanitation, and health services in affected communities has been identified as a key factor in the disease’s continued spread.
In April, Nigeria’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention placed 10 states on high alert due to the risk of cholera outbreaks associated with heavy rains and flooding. The Nigerian government has activated its disaster management system and deployed health teams to the affected areas. International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders, have also contributed to the response efforts.
Borno State Secretary Bukar Tijjani stated that emergency measures have been implemented, including restricting access to local dams and reservoirs and expanding the supply of safe drinking water through tankers, while investigations into the outbreak’s source continue.
Diarrheal diseases caused by contaminated food or water remain a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in flood-affected states and regions with poor water and sanitation infrastructure.
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