Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised alarms about the heightened risk of malaria, cholera, and other waterborne diseases in Maiduguri, following recent flooding that devastated large parts of the city. The organization is calling for urgent additional support, particularly in the areas of water, sanitation, and medical care, to prevent further harm to a population already grappling with long-term insecurity and unprecedented malnutrition.
On 10 September, heavy rains caused the Alau Dam in Borno State to overflow, flooding vast areas of Maiduguri. The flooding has displaced close to 400,000 people, according to local authorities, with many forced into makeshift displacement sites like schools, where there are insufficient latrines and inadequate access to safe drinking water.
Issaley Abdel Kader, MSF’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, expressed deep concern about the potential for disease outbreaks: “We are very concerned about the precarious living conditions and the potential outbreaks of cholera and malaria.” He noted that even before the flooding, MSF had been observing an increase in cases of malaria and acute watery diarrhea, with some patients already showing signs of cholera.
In response, MSF has begun providing essential services in several displacement sites by supplying water, repairing latrines, and distributing mosquito nets. However, the need for greater support is urgent. The Borno State government has announced plans to close or merge most displacement sites soon, which could leave many people in an even more vulnerable state.
The flooding also threatens to reverse the fragile progress made in reducing malnutrition rates in the area. Dr. Ashok Shrirang Sankpal, MSF’s deputy medical coordinator in Nigeria, warned of the potential for a rise in malnutrition cases following the destruction of markets, harvests, and livestock.
