UN needs $9.9m to tackle northeast cholera outbreak

The United Nations says it needs $9.9m (around N3.5bn) to respond to the ongoing cholera outbreak in Borno State and prevent further outbreaks in high-risk areas.

The amount is roughly same as the federal government released to fund a nationwide measles vaccination slated to start October 26.

The UN response-and-prevention plan hopes to address immediate needs for 3.7 million people who could be affected by the outbreak.

The outbreak has hit hardest on camps for people displaced by Boko Haram violence in the northeast.

“The clock is ticking,” said Peter Lundberg, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria.

“The camps for displaced persons are congested; there is not enough water, sanitation facilities are poor, and the health care system is weak. We must tackle this urgently to avoid preventable suffering and loss of life.”

Some 44 people have been killed since the first case was identified on August 16.

At least 2,300 cases of cholera have been either suspected or confirmed.

Mr. Lundberg said “The implications of not responding in a timely manner could be absolutely devastating for millions of conflict-affected women, children and men who are already living in very dire conditions.”