The European Commission has allocated €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian funding to Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Chad to support efforts to contain ongoing cholera outbreaks.
The funding follows a reported 61,000-plus cholera cases in the African Region during the first five months of 2026, according to the World Health Organization.
Nigeria will receive the largest share, with €1.5 million allocated to expand intervention teams, provide essential cholera supplies and strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene measures.
The funds will also support the treatment of public water points and household water, as well as improved disease surveillance in hard-to-reach areas, case management, risk communication and community sensitisation.
Cameroon will receive €100,000 to support outbreak containment and case management, including additional humanitarian personnel, medicines, cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in affected communities.
The Central African Republic will receive €500,000 to strengthen case management and vaccination efforts, improve water and sanitation services, enhance surveillance and support safe and dignified burials.
Chad will receive €200,000 to help reduce the spread of cholera through improved access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as community-based surveillance and case management.
The EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said cholera remained preventable and treatable but continued to threaten communities lacking access to safe water and healthcare.
She said the emergency funding would enable humanitarian partners to respond quickly, contain outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities.
Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria and is commonly transmitted through contaminated food or water. Severe infections can cause rapid dehydration and shock if left untreated.
