The international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières, has unveiled its 2025 Annual Activity Report, detailing emergency interventions carried out across several Nigerian states in response to disease outbreaks, flooding and worsening humanitarian crises.
Presenting the report in Abuja, MSF said its operations during the year focused on cholera and meningitis outbreaks, maternal health emergencies, acute malnutrition and flood-related disasters, in collaboration with state health authorities and local partners.
MSF Country Representative, Dr. Ahmed Aldikhari, said Nigeria continues to face growing humanitarian needs driven by insecurity, poor healthcare access and recurring disease outbreaks.
Among the major interventions highlighted was the organisation’s emergency response to the devastating flooding in Mokwa, Niger State, where rapid assessments were conducted and relief materials distributed to displaced residents.
According to the report, the items distributed included mosquito nets, paediatric medicines, detergents, hygiene supplies and handwashing stations aimed at preventing waterborne diseases in overcrowded communities.
In Adamawa State, MSF responded to cholera outbreaks in Jada and Mubi. The organisation said it donated essential medical supplies in Jada, while its teams directly managed patients at the Cholera Treatment Centre located at the Federal Medical Centre in Mubi North.
The organisation also established oral rehydration points to manage mild cholera cases and reduce fatalities.
MSF further disclosed that northwest Nigeria recorded a major meningitis outbreak between February and May 2025, with the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control documenting over 4,000 cases nationwide.
The report noted that about 70 per cent of the cases were treated in MSF-supported facilities in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
In Kebbi State, MSF expanded hospital bed capacity, supplied medical materials, trained healthcare workers and supported direct treatment of infected patients.
In Sokoto State, the organisation supported five primary healthcare centres and two general hospitals in Tambuwal Local Government Area through medical supplies, training and technical support.
MSF said the interventions, alongside community sensitisation campaigns, helped bring the meningitis outbreak under control by mid-year.
The report also identified Zamfara State as one of the areas worst affected by Nigeria’s cholera outbreak, accounting for 32 per cent of reported cases across the country’s reporting states.
In Shinkafi Local Government Area, MSF recorded 3,754 suspected cholera cases and supported Ministry of Health-led interventions through surveillance, vaccination campaigns, water and sanitation services, public awareness and emergency coordination.
The organisation said 2,664 patients were treated at the Shinkafi Cholera Treatment Centre, while another 1,090 patients received care through Oral Rehydration Points.
Despite the scale of the outbreak, only 18 deaths were recorded, representing a case fatality rate of 0.67 per cent, below the World Health Organisation emergency threshold.
In neighbouring Zurmi Local Government Area, MSF treated 3,542 suspected cholera patients and recorded 10 deaths during the outbreak.
The organisation also carried out water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, including the distribution of discharge kits to affected families and communities.
Additional cholera response activities were also implemented in Talata Mafara as part of efforts to contain the spread of the disease in Zamfara State.
MSF added that its interventions across Niger, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states were complemented by cholera and measles vaccination campaigns as well as integrated water and sanitation programmes.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Bukola Oluyide highlighted the rising burden of acute malnutrition in Nigeria, citing insecurity, supply shortages, access limitations and seasonal factors as key operational challenges.
On disease outbreaks, Dr. Shafa’atu Yusuf Abdulkadir spoke on ongoing responses to diphtheria, Lassa fever, measles and other infectious diseases affecting parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Dr. Louis Vala called for improved maternal healthcare services, especially emergency obstetric care and safe delivery systems in underserved communities.
He also stressed the connection between maternal health, malnutrition and increased disease vulnerability among women and children.
MSF warned that insecurity, flooding, displacement and weak healthcare infrastructure continue to worsen humanitarian conditions across Nigeria, urging sustained emergency support and stronger investment in the country’s public healthcare system.