Cholera epidemic worsens in Borno, death toll reaches 37, prompting lawmakers to call for urgent nationwide action.

Sens. from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum, have expressed sympathy with victims of the Cholera Outbreak in Borno State, urging swift action to combat the disease.

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The cholera outbreak in Borno State has resulted in 37 deaths and over 3,000 infections across seven local government areas, prompting urgent calls from northern lawmakers for a coordinated national emergency response.

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In a statement issued in Abuja, the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, described the outbreak as a “serious and unfolding public health emergency” that requires immediate and sustained intervention from federal and state authorities.

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The Senators are particularly concerned about the spread of the disease in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, which have emerged as the epicentres of the outbreak, with infections also reported in Mafa, Konduga, Monguno, Ngala and Magumeri.

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Rising case numbers are putting pressure on health infrastructure, especially in communities with limited access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, according to the Senators.

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The Senators have urged the Federal Government to deploy emergency medical teams, strengthen disease surveillance systems, and supply essential treatment materials to affected areas to curb further deaths.

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The Upper Chamber has also called for the urgent rollout of oral cholera vaccines in high-risk locations, especially internally displaced persons camps, which are vulnerable due to overcrowding and poor sanitation conditions.

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Beyond immediate medical response, the Senators believe there is a need for large-scale water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, warning that contaminated water sources and unsafe waste disposal practices are key drivers of transmission.

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The lawmakers have also called for an aggressive public awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive measures, including proper handwashing, safe food handling, and early reporting of symptoms to health facilities.

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The Senators acknowledged the efforts of the Borno State Ministry of Health and international partners such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières, but insisted that a stronger federal emergency intervention is necessary to prevent the outbreak from worsening.

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The development comes amid concerns from health experts that recurring cholera outbreaks in northern Nigeria are being fuelled by weak sanitation infrastructure, flooding, and overcrowded settlements, which expose millions to preventable disease outbreaks.

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The Northern Senators Forum commiserated with the government and people of Borno State over the loss of 37 lives to the cholera outbreak, extending condolences to the families of the victims.

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The Senators expressed deep concern over reports of over 3,000 cases across seven local government areas, with Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere bearing the heaviest burden, and a 1% case fatality rate that constitutes a serious public health emergency.

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The Senators called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps, including deploying emergency medical support, fast-tracking cholera vaccination, strengthening WASH interventions, and scaling public awareness to contain the outbreak.

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The Senators urged the Federal Government to provide emergency potable water, water treatment tablets, and sanitation facilities, and to launch a campaign against open defecation and poor waste disposal, especially during the rainy season.

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The Senators commended the Borno State Ministry of Health and partners for their response efforts and urged the Federal Government to provide necessary resources to contain the outbreak before the rainy season worsens it.

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The Senators emphasized that the health and safety of the people must remain a collective priority.