IRC warns of surging cholera cases amid severe flooding in Nigeria and Niger

Abuja, Nigeria, October 17, 2024 —  The International Rescue Committee is warning a sharp increase in cholera cases has emerged in the wake of recent floods in Nigeria and Niger, and is calling for increased resources to scale up operations and address the vast humanitarian needs in the flood-affected regions. Cholera is particularly dangerous in communities without access to clean water - the IRC is working tirelessly to prevent further spread of the disease. 

The heavy rainfall and severe flooding in 2024 have devastated countries across West Africa, compounding already critical humanitarian needs. In Niger, the catastrophic floods have affected over 1.4 million people, and nearly tripled the number impacted during the 2020 floods. The IRC is on the ground providing shelter, cash assistance, and healthcare, while closely monitoring the ongoing cholera outbreak, which has resulted in 881 cases and 18 fatalities. 

The IRC is intensifying its efforts in Nigeria to combat cholera and save lives by expanding health, sanitation, and hygiene programs. In partnership with the state government, the IRC has set up a cholera treatment unit at the Gubio Internally Displaced People's (IDP) camp in Borno State. This fully equipped 20-bed facility, staffed by trained medical professionals, offers 24-hour life-saving care. With the unit now at full capacity, the IRC, as the sole organization authorized by the government to provide health services at the camp, is working to expand the number of available beds. 

Additionally, the organization has set up oral rehydration points in flood-affected areas, especially in IDP camps, to deliver rapid treatment for acute watery diarrhea. To identify suspected cholera cases, IRC teams are engaging with communities and conducting case searches while stockpiling rehydration fluids and medical supplies in preparation for a potential outbreak escalation.  

Melody Munz, IRC Niger Country Director, said: 

“This is the worst case of flooding we have ever seen in Niger, leaving thousands vulnerable to preventable diseases. Without urgent action, more lives are at risk. We need immediate support to ensure that the IRC and other frontline organizations can scale up their efforts rapidly. Cholera is highly contagious and thrives in areas with poor sanitation and overcrowding, such as the flood-displaced communities. Additional resources will help us stop the spread of disease and provide critical aid to those affected by this devastating crisis.” 

Babatunde Ojei, IRC Nigeria Country Director, said:  

“In Borno State, Nigeria, IRC teams have been on the ground since the onset of the floods, providing critical health services and working in close collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and other partners to implement a robust and coordinated response. 

“Time is of the essence. We call on all stakeholders, including local and international partners, to join hands in providing the necessary resources and support to control this outbreak and prevent further loss of life. We are committed to ensuring that no life is lost to this preventable disease. 

“As extreme climate events become more frequent, there is a need for a shift in climate financing strategies to invest in anticipatory actions soften the impact in countries affected by flooding like Niger and Nigeria. In Kogi and Adamawa States, the IRC has established forecasting systems to predict floods before they happen and to provide support to communities before a predicted disaster strikes, so they are better positioned to prepare and safeguard their farms and homes. With local support and additional funding, this approach could be applied to empower communities and mitigate the impact of future disasters such as this.”