Nigeria Faces Major Cholera Outbreak, UNICEF Reports

UNICEF has reported that Nigeria is facing the largest cholera outbreak in the region, with more than 50,000 cumulative cases and 338 deaths recorded since January 1, 2026. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in Borno State as of the end of July.

Other countries experiencing accelerating cholera outbreaks include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, stated that the outbreak is spreading across borders due to shared rivers, trade routes, and population movements.

Millions of children are at risk due to inadequate access to safe water. UNICEF is seeking $15 million in additional funding to enhance its response over the next six months, which includes expanding access to safe water and sanitation, strengthening disease surveillance, supplying essential health materials, and supporting oral cholera vaccination campaigns.

The agency is coordinating efforts with the World Health Organisation and Africa CDC.