Nigeria has been identified among seven countries that accounted for about 90 per cent of reported cholera cases and deaths worldwide in 2025, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The WHO said global cholera deaths increased by about 30 per cent in 2025 despite a decline in reported infections. A total of 451,499 cases and 7,870 deaths were reported by 47 countries, marking the highest annual number of cholera deaths recorded since 1999.
The seven countries with more than 10,000 reported cases were Yemen, South Sudan, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Nigeria and Bangladesh. Together, they accounted for 89 per cent of reported cases and 91 per cent of reported deaths. Nigeria recorded 24,354 cases and 548 deaths during the year.
The WHO African Region carried the largest regional burden, recording a 34 per cent increase in cases and a 58 per cent rise in deaths compared with 2024. The health agency noted that five of the seven heavily affected countries were classified as conflict-affected, while all seven experienced conflict- or disaster-related displacement in 2025.
WHO also warned that the reported figures do not represent the full global burden because cholera cases and deaths can go unreported, particularly where disease surveillance and healthcare systems are weak.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO Executive Director of Health Emergencies, said the increase in deaths demonstrated the need for stronger investment in safe water, sanitation, hygiene, surveillance, vaccination and access to treatment.
The development is significant for Nigeria, where cholera outbreaks have repeatedly placed pressure on public health authorities and communities affected by inadequate sanitation and access to clean water.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria and is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water. Although preventable and treatable, severe cases can become fatal rapidly without timely rehydration and appropriate medical care.
