Nigeria Reports Over 65,000 Suspected Cholera Cases

In 2026, Nigeria recorded more than 65,000 suspected cholera cases across 35 states and approximately 195 Local Government Areas, as disclosed by Dr Jide Idris, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). During a press briefing, Idris noted a substantial decline in weekly cholera cases from earlier peaks, with a significantly lower death rate compared to the same period last year.

However, he cautioned that this decline should not be seen as the end of the outbreak, emphasizing that cholera transmission remains active and could worsen with the ongoing rainy season. He highlighted the importance of early access to treatment, particularly in Borno State, which has the highest number of cases.

Idris identified unsafe water, open defecation, and inadequate sanitation as key drivers of cholera transmission and called for sustained interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene. Additionally, he reported over 10,000 confirmed diphtheria cases this year, primarily in Kano, Borno, and Bauchi states, attributing the burden to inadequate vaccination coverage.