BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission has committed €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian funds to address cholera outbreaks in West and Central Africa. This support will go to Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Chad. Officials explained that the funds will be used for treatment, disease surveillance, access to clean water, and sanitation efforts. The announcement comes amid rising cholera cases across several African nations in 2026, with Nigeria experiencing a significant increase mainly in Borno State.
Nigeria will get the largest portion of the aid, receiving €1.5 million. This money will help expand intervention teams and supply cholera kits and other vital materials. It will also aid in treating public water sources and household water supplies. Part of the funding will be allocated to strengthen disease surveillance in remote areas. The program will also focus on case management, risk communication, and raising community awareness as health teams work to stop the spread of the disease in affected communities.
According to the World Health Organization, there were 90,049 reported cholera cases across 18 African countries as of June 28. These cases included 1,528 deaths. Nigeria alone reported 26,848 cases and 181 deaths during this period. In June, Nigeria recorded 19,887 new cases and 97 deaths. WHO states that Borno State accounted for more than 95% of Nigeria’s cholera cases in 2026, with Maiduguri, Jere, and Monguno being among the most affected areas.
Funds to focus on treatment, water, and disease monitoring
The Central African Republic is set to receive €500,000 for case management, vaccination campaigns, and water, sanitation, and hygiene projects. The money will also improve disease surveillance, case detection, and community involvement. It will support safe and respectful burials during the outbreak. WHO reports 386 cholera cases and 31 deaths in the country through June 28. The European Commission said this aid is part of its emergency humanitarian response to the outbreaks in the four nations.
Cameroon will get €100,000 to help contain the outbreak and care for patients in affected villages. The funding will support extra humanitarian staff, essential medicines, cholera treatment units, and oral rehydration points. WHO data shows 108 cases and six deaths in Cameroon through June 28. Chad will receive €200,000 for water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives. This funding will also support community surveillance and case management. Chad reported 109 cases and three deaths during the same period.
Nigeria’s outbreak surge increases regional cases
WHO reports that the African Region saw 27,954 new cholera cases in June, which is a 95% rise from May. The same month, there were 284 cholera-related deaths. Nigeria had the highest number of new cases, followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan. WHO links Nigeria’s spike to the surge in Borno State, where conflict, displacement, poor sanitation, and rainfall have heightened transmission risks.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting contaminated food or water with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Severe cases can cause dehydration and need immediate treatment. The EU funds aim to interrupt transmission and improve healthcare access in affected areas. Across the four countries, the total aid amounts to €2.3 million. It emphasizes treatment capacity, surveillance, vaccination when possible, safer water, sanitation, and community support during this ongoing outbreak.