Jihadist violence complicates cholera response in northeast Nigeria
via SeneNews5 min read
An ongoing cholera epidemic in northeast Nigeria is being exacerbated by insecurity caused by the Islamic State in West Africa ISWAP. Medical sources report an increase in patient numbers and deaths, particularly in the Lake Chad region where ISWAP has significant control. The current outbreak, which began in mid-June, follows a previous wave that caused over 70 deaths in and around Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. In the past two weeks, new cases have surged in areas like Doro, Bunduram, Baga, Kross Kauwa, and Monguno. A medical source at a clinic in Monguno stated they receive an average of 50 patients daily, with 40% succumbing to the illness. The daily death toll, previously two to five, has worsened due to an influx of patients from isolated farming communities. Cholera, a waterborne disease, thrives in conditions of war, conflict, and poverty prevalent in Borno State, an epicenter of a 17-year jihadist insurgency. Patients from remote areas often arrive in critical condition in Monguno due to long travel distances and lack of immediate care. A night curfew, implemented to prevent attacks, also contributes to higher mortality rates as victims must wait until dawn for treatment. The exact death toll remains unknown, and a spokesperson for the Borno State governor has not yet responded to inquiries.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
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