BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Commission has committed €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian aid to curb cholera outbreaks in West and Central Africa, supporting Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Chad. Officials stated the funds will be used for treatment, disease surveillance, improving access to clean water, and sanitation initiatives. The announcement coincides with a rise in cholera cases across multiple African nations during 2026, with Nigeria experiencing a significant spike primarily in Borno State.
Nigeria will benefit from the largest share of the emergency funds, receiving €1.5 million to expand intervention teams and supply cholera kits and other vital materials. Part of the funding will also go toward improving treatment at public water points and household water sources, along with strengthening disease monitoring in remote areas. The program further includes case management, risk communication, and community awareness efforts as health teams work to slow transmission in affected communities.
According to the World Health Organization, there were 90,049 reported cholera cases across 18 countries in its African Region through June 28, resulting in 1,528 deaths. Nigeria alone reported 26,848 cases and 181 fatalities during that period. In June, the country saw 19,887 new cases and 97 deaths. WHO highlighted that over 95% of Nigeria’s cases in 2026 were in Borno State, with Maiduguri, Jere, and Monguno among the hardest-hit locations.
Funds focus on treatment, sanitation, and surveillance
The Central African Republic will receive €500,000 to support case management, vaccination efforts, and water, sanitation, and hygiene programs, also aiming to bolster disease surveillance, case detection, and community engagement. The funds will help facilitate safe and dignified burials when necessary during the outbreak response. WHO reported 386 cases and 31 deaths in the country through June 28. The European Commission described this aid as part of its emergency humanitarian response to the outbreaks in these four nations.
Cameroon is set to receive €100,000 to reinforce containment efforts and patient care in affected villages, funding additional humanitarian personnel, essential medicines, cholera treatment units, and oral rehydration points. WHO documented 108 cases and six deaths in Cameroon by June 28. Chad will benefit from €200,000 aimed at water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements, along with supporting community surveillance and case management. During the same period, Chad recorded 109 cases and three deaths.
Nigeria’s surge influences regional case rise
WHO reported that 27,954 new cholera cases were registered across 12 African countries in June, marking a 95% increase from May, along with 284 related deaths. Nigeria reported the highest number of new infections, followed by the Congo and South Sudan. The rise in Nigeria is linked to the outbreak in Borno State, where ongoing conflict, population displacement, poor sanitation, and increased rainfall have heightened cholera transmission risks.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by consuming contaminated food or water with Vibrio cholerae bacteria, can cause rapid dehydration and requires immediate medical attention. The EU aid aims to support efforts to break the chain of transmission and enhance access to healthcare in affected regions. The total assistance for the four nations amounts to €2.3 million, focusing on treatment expansion, disease surveillance, vaccination where feasible, safe water provision, sanitation, and community support during ongoing outbreak responses.