BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – A total of 90,049 cholera cases had been reported across 18 African countries by June 28, according to the World Health Organization. The outbreak has resulted in 1,528 fatalities, with Nigeria accounting for 26,848 cases and 181 deaths within the same period. In June alone, Nigeria documented 19,887 new infections and 97 deaths. The WHO highlighted that Borno State was responsible for over 95% of Nigeria’s cases in 2026, with Maiduguri, Jere, and Monguno identified as the most affected zones.
The European Commission has committed €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian aid to combat cholera outbreaks in West and Central Africa. The funding aims to assist Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Chad. Officials confirmed that the resources will be allocated to treatment efforts, disease surveillance, access to clean water, and sanitation initiatives. This announcement follows a rise in cholera cases across several African nations during 2026, with a notable spike in Nigeria, particularly in Borno State.
Nigeria is set to receive €1.5 million, the largest share of the emergency funds. This allocation will boost the deployment of intervention teams and supply cholera kits along with other vital materials. It will also aid in improving treatment at public water points and household water sources. Part of the aid will be dedicated to strengthening disease monitoring in remote areas. The initiative also includes case management, risk communication, and community awareness efforts as health teams work to curb the spread within affected communities.
Latest data from WHO indicate that, through June 28, 2026, there have been 90,049 reported cholera cases and 1,528 deaths across the continent. Nigeria alone reported 26,848 cases and 181 deaths, with June witnessing 19,887 new cases and 97 fatalities. WHO noted that Borno State was responsible for more than 95% of Nigeria’s cholera cases in 2026, with Maiduguri, Jere, and Monguno among the worst hit regions.
Funding Focuses on Treatment, Water, and Surveillance
The Central African Republic will benefit from €500,000 designated for case management, vaccination efforts, and water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. The funds will also reinforce disease surveillance, case detection, and community engagement. Additionally, the support will cover safe and dignified burials during the outbreak. WHO’s data up to June 28 show 386 cholera cases and 31 deaths in the country. The European Commission explained that this aid constitutes part of its emergency humanitarian response to the outbreaks in the four targeted nations.
Cameroon is slated to receive €100,000 to bolster outbreak control and patient care in affected villages. The funding will cover additional humanitarian staff, essential medicines, cholera treatment units, and oral rehydration points. As of June 28, WHO reported 108 cases and six deaths in Cameroon. Chad will receive €200,000 aimed at water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements, as well as supporting community surveillance and case management. The country’s report shows 109 cases and three deaths during the same period.
Nigeria’s Outbreak Surge Contributes to Regional Rise
In June, the WHO reported 27,954 new cholera cases across 12 African countries, marking a 95% increase compared to May. The region also experienced 284 cholera-related deaths that month. Nigeria led the tally with the highest number of new infections, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. The surge in Nigeria was primarily driven by outbreaks in Borno State, where conflict, displacement, poor sanitation, and rainfall have heightened the risk of cholera transmission.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting contaminated food or water containing Vibrio cholerae bacteria, can lead to rapid dehydration and requires swift treatment. The European Union’s funding will support efforts to interrupt the disease’s spread and enhance access to healthcare in affected regions. Overall, the aid package totaling €2.3 million is directed at improving treatment capabilities, surveillance, vaccination where applicable, safer water sources, sanitation, and community outreach during the ongoing outbreak response across the four countries.