Health authorities in Borno State are grappling with a rapid surge in suspected cholera cases since early May, with at least 74 people reported dead and more than 7,850 others falling ill across 14 Local Government Areas.

The outbreak has placed immense pressure on health facilities, prompting urgent intervention by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health (MoH).

According to the latest figures as of 7 June 2026, the state has recorded 7,850 suspected cases. MSF has treated a staggering 7,439 patients at its Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) in Ngarannam and a new Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) in Dalaram, Maiduguri. Admissions have averaged 230 patients per day, with a single-day high of over 500 patients on 5 June.

The CTC’s bed capacity was quickly expanded from 121 to 271 to cope with the rising numbers, and further expansion remains possible.

“Every day, we see more people arriving with severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration, many of whom have travelled long distances to reach care,” said Bienfait Tombola, MSF project medical coordinator for the surge response.

While the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health, MSF, and partners have enabled a rapid scale-up — including training of health workers, setting up oral rehydration points, water chlorination, health promotion, and improved referrals — the continued rise in cases shows that more needs to be done.

Tombola added: “While treatment is essential to save lives, a cholera vaccination is foreseen to be conducted by the Ministry of Health, and this would help cut the chains of transmission. Sustainable improvements in access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene are equally critical to reducing transmission and preventing risks of continued surge in cases of waterborne diseases.”

MSF continues to support surveillance, case management, and broader response activities alongside the state government to contain the outbreak.

Cholera and other water-borne diseases remain a recurring threat in parts of Borno, particularly in areas with limited access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation.