Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed grave concerns about the risk of disease outbreaks in Maiduguri and its surrounding areas following severe flooding caused by the overflow of Alau Dam. The international medical organization, in a statement released over the weekend, highlighted the increased likelihood of malaria, cholera, and waterborne diseases in the region.
The floods, which struck on September 10, have submerged homes, markets, fields, and health facilities. Nearly 400,000 people have been displaced and are now living in makeshift sites, mostly schools, that lack adequate sanitation and safe drinking water, according to Borno State authorities.
“We are very concerned about the precarious living conditions and the potential outbreaks of cholera and malaria,” said Dr. Issaley Abdel Kader, MSF’s Head of Mission in Nigeria. He noted that MSF has already observed an increase in cases of malaria and acute watery diarrhea, with some patients showing early signs of cholera.
MSF teams have begun delivering essential services, including water trucking, latrine repair, mosquito net distribution, and outpatient medical consultations. The organization is also expanding its pediatric facility by 100 beds to manage the anticipated rise in malaria cases and is preparing to set up a cholera treatment center.
Adding to the health crisis, MSF warned that the recent flooding could exacerbate existing malnutrition challenges. “The floods have damaged crops, markets, and livestock, which may reverse the recent decrease in malnutrition admissions at our facilities,” said Dr. Ashok Shrirang Sankpal, MSF’s Deputy Medical Coordinator.
The Borno State government has announced plans to close and merge most displacement sites soon, which MSF warns could leave many people in a vulnerable state without adequate medical care and shelter. MSF urged all humanitarian actors to continue their support for flood victims, particularly in improving hygiene, water access, and healthcare provisions.
This is the second flooding emergency MSF has responded to in northern Nigeria within weeks, with severe floods in Zamfara State also displacing thousands and worsening the region’s pre-existing malnutrition and healthcare crises.
