BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – European Commission has committed €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian funding to combat cholera outbreaks across West and Central Africa. The aid aims to bolster efforts in Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Chad. Officials indicated that the funds will be used for treatment initiatives, disease surveillance, improving access to clean water, and sanitation improvements. This announcement comes amid a rise in cholera cases across several African nations during 2026, with Nigeria experiencing a notable surge mainly concentrated in Borno State.
Nigeria will benefit from €1.5 million, representing the largest portion of the emergency support. The allocated funds will enhance intervention teams and provide cholera kits along with other vital supplies. They will also aid in treating public water sources and household water supplies. Part of the assistance will be directed toward strengthening disease surveillance in remote areas. Additionally, the program includes case management, risk communication, and community awareness efforts as health teams work to contain the spread within affected communities.
According to the latest World Health Organization data, 90,049 cholera cases have been reported across 18 countries in its African Region through June 28, with 1,528 deaths documented. Nigeria alone reported 26,848 cases and 181 fatalities during the same period. In June, Nigeria recorded 19,887 new cases and 97 deaths. WHO identified Borno State as accounting for more than 95% of Nigeria’s reported cases in 2026, with Maiduguri, Jere, and Monguno among the most severely affected locations.
Funding allocated for treatment, water, and surveillance efforts
The Central African Republic will receive €500,000 to support case management, vaccination campaigns, and water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives. The funds will also reinforce disease surveillance, case detection, and community participation. Support will be provided for safe and dignified burials where necessary during the outbreak response. WHO data shows 386 cholera cases and 31 deaths in the country through June 28. The European Commission stated that this assistance is part of its emergency humanitarian response targeting the four nations affected.
Cameroon will get €100,000 to strengthen outbreak control and patient treatment in impacted villages. The support will include funding for additional humanitarian personnel, essential medicines, cholera treatment units, and oral rehydration points. As of June 28, WHO reported 108 cases and six deaths in Cameroon. Chad will be allocated €200,000 for water, sanitation, and hygiene measures. The funding will also bolster community surveillance and case management efforts. Chad recorded 109 cases and three deaths during the same reporting period.
Nigeria’s surge drives regional increase in cholera cases
WHO indicated that in June, the African Region saw 27,954 new cholera cases across 12 countries, representing a 95% increase from May. The region also reported 284 deaths associated with cholera that month. Nigeria recorded the highest number of new cases, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. WHO attributed the spike in Nigeria to the outbreak in Borno State, where conflict, displacement, poor sanitation, and rainfall have heightened the risk of transmission.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Severe instances can lead to rapid dehydration and require immediate treatment. The EU funds will support strategies aimed at halting transmission and enhancing healthcare access in affected areas. The total aid for the four beneficiary countries is €2.3 million. The focus of this support includes expanding treatment capacity, improving surveillance and vaccination where feasible, ensuring safer water supplies, sanitation, and providing direct community aid during the ongoing outbreaks.