Cholera Cases Surge In Borno, Prompting Expansion Of Emergency Treatment Centres

Health emergency intensifies

BORNO State is grappling with a growing cholera outbreak that has infected thousands of residents and stretched medical resources across multiple communities. Figures released by the Borno State Ministry of Health and cited by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) show that 74 people have died and 7,850 suspected cases have been recorded since early May.

The outbreak has spread to 14 local government areas and 50 wards, with health workers reporting a steady increase in patients requiring urgent treatment.

Hospitals face growing demand

MSF said admissions began rising rapidly after the first suspected case was reported on 1 May. In response, the organisation and the state government established a Cholera Treatment Centre in Ngarannam, Maiduguri, and later expanded its capacity from 121 to 271 beds.

A separate treatment unit with 20 beds was also opened in Dalaram. Together, the two facilities had treated 7,439 patients by 7 June.

According to MSF, more than 500 people suffering from acute watery diarrhoea were admitted on 5 June alone, reflecting the speed at which the outbreak has grown.

Long-term infrastructure gaps exposed

MSF warned that cholera thrives in communities with limited access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, hygiene infrastructure, and healthcare services. Informal settlements are particularly vulnerable.

While emergency treatment remains a priority, health officials said long-term investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene systems are necessary to prevent recurring outbreaks.

MSF added that it will continue working with the Borno State Ministry of Health and other partners to provide lifesaving care, strengthen surveillance systems, and support efforts to contain the disease.