The European Commission has released €2.3 million in emergency humanitarian funding to Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Chad to support efforts to contain the ongoing cholera epidemic.
The delegation of the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS announced the funding in a statement on Monday.
The intervention comes as cholera continues to pose a major public health threat across Africa. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 61,000 cholera cases were reported in the African region during the first five months of 2026.
Nigeria will receive the largest share of the funding, with €1.5 million earmarked to expand the number of intervention teams and provide essential supplies, including cholera kits.
The funding will also support water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, including the treatment of public water points and household water.
The EU said the Nigerian intervention would further strengthen epidemiological surveillance in inaccessible areas, improve case management and intensify risk communication and community sensitisation.
“In Cameroon, €100,000 will support outbreak containment and case management, including through additional staff for humanitarian partners on the ground, essential medicines, additional cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in the most affected villages,” the statement reads.
“In the Central African Republic, €500,000 will scale-up case management and vaccination, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene interventions. It will also consist of strengthening risk communication and community engagement, boosting surveillance and case detection, as well as supporting dignified and safe burials.
“In Chad, €200,000 will contribute to breaking the chain of cholera transmission through improved access to water, sanitation, hygiene and community support for surveillance and case management.”
Hadja Lahbib, commissioner for preparedness and crisis management, said cholera remains a serious threat despite being both preventable and treatable, particularly in communities without access to safe water and healthcare.
Lahbib said Europe would continue to support affected communities despite rising humanitarian needs and dwindling resources.
