KSrelief and WHO Sign USD 5.3 Million Agreement to Combat Cholera in the Lake Chad Basin

Life-Saving Interventions for Cholera Preparedness and Response in Endemic Communities of the Lake Chad Basin

New York, 22 September -- The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a joint implementation agreement to support cholera preparedness and response in the Lake Chad Basin, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The agreement, valued at USD 5,327,244.97, was signed by Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor to the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO.

Covering Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria, the project combines water, sanitation and hygiene activities, including drilling wells and rehabilitating public latrines — with epidemiological surveillance and the provision of medicines and medical consumables. It will also rehabilitate medical facilities and equip radiology, sterilization, operating theatre, emergency and intensive care units for children and adults.

More than 61,000 cholera cases were recorded in the African Region in the first five months of 2026. Nigeria accounts for the region’s largest outbreak, with over 50,000 cases and 338 deaths since January, while in Chad nearly two thirds of infections are among children under 15. Across the Lake Chad Basin, 8.2 million people require humanitarian assistance and only 22 per cent of funding requirements had been met as of April 2026.

“The signing of this joint implementation agreement with our valued humanitarian partner WHO is an important step towards addressing the increasing threat of cholera to the people of the Lake Chad Basin region. Despite the significant funding gap, KSrelief and WHO can save lives and improve outcomes in the region through our shared efforts to improve WASH services and provide the medical sector support that is so badly needed,” said Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of KSrelief.

“Cholera is preventable and treatable, yet it continues to claim lives in communities already facing severe humanitarian pressures. Sustained support, such as this commitment from KS Relief, will enable five countries of the Lake Chad Basin to detect outbreaks sooner, respond more rapidly and deliver life-saving care where it is needed most,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

As of the end of August 2026, KSrelief had implemented 4,457 humanitarian and relief projects valued at USD 8.57 billion across 113 countries.

-ENDS-

About KSrelief

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) was established under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Inaugurated in May 2015, KSrelief has provided impartial humanitarian aid and relief to over 100 countries in cooperation with local, regional and international organizations.

Social Handles:

Twitter: @KSRelief_EN | Instagram: @KSRELIEF | LinkedIn: ksrelief | Website: www.ksrelief.org

About WHO

The World Health Organization contributes to a better future for people everywhere. Good health lays the foundation for vibrant and productive communities, stronger economies, safer nations and a better world. As the lead health authority within the United Nations system, our work touches people’s lives around the world every day. In Africa, WHO serves 47 Member States and works with development partners to improve the health and well-being of all people living here. The WHO Regional Office for Africa is located in Brazzaville, Congo. Learn more at www.afro.who.int and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Media contacts:

Chinyere Nwonye

Emergencies Communications Officer
WHO Africa Regional Office
nwonyec@who.int
+2348034645524

Collins Boakye-Agyemang

Communications and marketing officer
Tel: + 242 06 520 65 65 (WhatsApp)
Email: boakyeagyemangc@who.int

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