The World Health Organization (WHO) is worried that many cases of cholera are not being reported properly in countries like Nigeria. This is happening at a time when Nigeria is seeing more suspected cholera cases, along with a global increase in the disease.
From January 1 to May 25, 2025, Nigeria reported 1,562 cases of cholera. These were part of the 117,346 cases recorded across 17 African countries during that time.
However, WHO said the numbers might not show the real situation. This is because some cases are not reported, some reports arrive late, and many places can’t do proper lab tests.
WHO said, “The numbers we’re seeing may not be exact due to late or missing reports. Different countries also use different ways to track cholera, so it’s hard to compare their data. This also affects how we understand the number of deaths.
“In total, from January 1 to May 25, 2025, 211,678 cholera cases and 2,754 deaths were reported in 26 countries from three different WHO regions. Africa had the highest number of cases and deaths.
The Eastern Mediterranean and South-East Asia regions were next after Africa in terms of cholera cases and deaths.
As of May 2025, the world had 5.7 million doses of Oral Cholera Vaccine available. This was the sixth month in a row where vaccine stock stayed above the emergency level of five million doses.
WHO’s latest update showed that in May, cholera and other severe diarrhea cases rose by 35% compared to April. Nearly half of the new 52,589 cases came from Africa.
Nigeria has frequent cholera outbreaks, especially during the rainy season. The country also struggles with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene systems, especially in rural and conflict-hit areas.
Health experts warn that if Nigeria doesn’t improve how it tracks and responds to cholera, the outbreak could get worse and more people could die.
According to WHO, most of this year’s cholera deaths happened in Africa, with 2,447 people dying. Nigeria alone has lost 48 people to the disease.
The WHO is calling for urgent action. They say more money and support are needed to help prevent cholera, detect it early, and treat people quickly.
