By Peace Erewunmi

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has raised concerns over a worsening cholera outbreak in Borno State, warning that the rapid increase in suspected cases is placing enormous pressure on health facilities across the state.

According to MSF, treatment centres have been overwhelmed by the growing number of patients arriving daily with symptoms of acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration. The humanitarian organisation said healthcare workers are responding to hundreds of new cases each day, stretching available medical personnel, supplies and treatment capacity.

The organisation is working alongside the Borno State Ministry of Health to manage the outbreak by expanding cholera treatment centres, providing emergency medical care, strengthening disease surveillance and promoting hygiene and sanitation measures in affected communities.

MSF attributed the rapid spread of the disease to poor access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, overcrowded communities and the humanitarian challenges caused by years of conflict and displacement in the North-East. It warned that without sustained intervention, the outbreak could continue to spread and place additional strain on the state’s already fragile healthcare system.

The organisation called on government authorities, humanitarian partners and community leaders to intensify public health interventions, improve access to safe drinking water and encourage residents to seek immediate medical attention if cholera symptoms develop. MSF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the emergency response until the outbreak is brought under control.