By Gabriel Ameh
📍Maiduguri, Borno State | Media360Impact Report
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised concern over the rapid increase in suspected cholera cases across Borno State, warning that health facilities are coming under severe pressure as thousands of patients continue to seek urgent treatment.
According to MSF, more than 7,800 suspected cholera cases and 74 deaths have been recorded across 14 Local Government Areas and 50 wards in Borno State since the outbreak began in early May 2026.
The international medical humanitarian organisation disclosed that the increasing number of infections is stretching healthcare resources and emergency response efforts across affected communities.
In response to the outbreak, MSF, in partnership with the Borno State Ministry of Health, established a Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) in the Ngarannam area of Maiduguri on 7 May 2026.
The facility, which initially operated with 121 beds, has now been expanded to 271 beds following the sharp rise in patient admissions. MSF also opened an additional 20-bed Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) in the Dalaram area of Maiduguri to support the response.
As of 7 June 2026, MSF said it had treated 7,439 patients at its treatment facilities, with an average of 230 admissions recorded daily.
The organisation further revealed that more than 500 patients suffering from acute watery diarrhoea were admitted on 5 June alone, marking the highest number received in a single day since the outbreak began.
MSF Project Medical Coordinator for the Maiduguri emergency response, Bienfait Tombola, said the continued increase in cases highlights the urgent need for stronger prevention and healthcare interventions.
“Every day, more patients arrive with severe diarrhoea and dehydration, many travelling long distances to access treatment,” he said.
Beyond clinical treatment, MSF said it is supporting healthcare workers with training, strengthening disease surveillance, establishing oral rehydration points, promoting hygiene awareness, improving referral systems, and supporting water chlorination and sanitation activities in affected communities.
The organisation stressed that cholera and other water-borne diseases remain preventable and treatable but thrive in communities with poor access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare services.
MSF also welcomed plans by the Borno State Ministry of Health to conduct cholera vaccination campaigns to help curb transmission.
The organisation called for sustained investment in clean water supply, sanitation infrastructure and hygiene services to prevent further spread of the disease and reduce future outbreaks.
MSF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Borno State Ministry of Health and partners in delivering lifesaving care and strengthening emergency response efforts across affected areas.
