Nigeria and 6 African Nations Lead Global Cholera Fight as WHO Sounds Alarm

Naija Pulse - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dropped a sobering stat: Nigeria, alongside six other nations, now accounts for a whopping 90 per cent of the world's reported cholera cases and deaths. This isn't just a headline, it's a wake-up call for the continent.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the global health body revealed that 47 countries reported cholera cases and deaths in 2025. But here's the kicker: these figures are just the tip of the iceberg, as they only represent surveillance data and actually underestimate the true global burden of the disease.

Cholera Deaths Spike by 30% in 2025

The numbers are stark. Cholera deaths shot up by 30 per cent in 2025, hitting 7,870. That's the highest annual death toll since 1999, even though 451,499 cases were officially reported to the WHO. The message is clear: we can't afford to look away.

Seven countries are in the eye of the storm: Angola, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen. Together, they account for roughly 90 per cent of all reported cases and deaths. The WHO African Region is carrying the heaviest load, with cases up by 34 per cent and deaths soaring by 58 per cent compared to 2024.

What's Driving the Cholera Crisis in Africa?

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO's Executive Director for Health Emergencies, didn't mince words. He pointed to the urgent need for targeted investments in safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. According to him, stronger surveillance, community engagement, vaccination, and access to quality healthcare can turn the tide and prevent these avoidable deaths.

Cholera, as he explained, is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It spreads through food and water contaminated with faeces, especially where sanitation is inadequate. The good news? It's preventable and treatable. The bad news? Severe dehydration can become fatal when patients don't get prompt treatment.

Here's a chilling detail: more than one in five reported cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities. Meanwhile, the fatality rate among patients treated in facilities stayed below one per cent globally. But 12 countries, including several in Africa, recorded facility-based fatality rates above one per cent in 2025, revealing gaps in timely and effective treatment.

Vaccine Production Doubles, But Is It Enough?

There's a glimmer of hope. Global oral cholera vaccine production has more than doubled, from about 30 million doses in 2022 to roughly 80 million annually in 2025. The International Coordinating Group approved 71 million vaccine doses for affected countries in 2025, including 20 million for preventive vaccination, which resumed after a three-year pause.

But the fight doesn't stop at cholera. The WHO also flagged that 24 of 26 countries in Africa's meningitis belt reported 21,526 suspected cases and 971 deaths in 2025, a 4.5 per cent fatality rate. While meningitis cases dipped by 5.9 per cent among countries reporting data for both years, vaccination is clearly making a difference.

Since the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine was introduced in 2010, serogroup A cases have plummeted by more than 99 per cent among vaccinated populations. Now, a new five-serogroup vaccine, Men5CV/MMCV, is being rolled out for outbreak response and prevention. Niger led the charge with the first nationwide campaign in 2025.

Plague: A Silent Threat Still Lurking

And yes, plague is still on the radar. Ten countries reported suspected human cases between 2019 and 2025, with six confirming infections. In total, 3,847 suspected cases and 423 deaths were recorded, an 11 per cent case fatality rate, with most cases coming from Congo and Madagascar. The WHO says continued surveillance of rodents and other animal populations, plus rapid outbreak response, remains essential to catch plague early and stop it from spreading.

What Does This Mean for Nigeria and Africa?

For us in Nigeria, this is a moment to reflect and act. We have the numbers, we have the data, and we have the tools. What we need is the will to invest in clean water, sanitation, and healthcare access. The WHO's message is simple: these deaths are preventable. Let's not let another year pass where we're leading the world in the wrong category.

As Tunde would say: we are strong, we are resilient, and we can beat this. But it starts with action, not just words.