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Deadly rainy season in Zamfara, northwest Nigeria

In northwestern Nigeria, from May to September, the rainy season turns daily survival into a struggle. Flooding, stagnant water, poor sanitation, and overcrowded living conditions create the perfect conditions for disease to spread. Malaria surges, cholera outbreaks erupt, and other water‑borne illnesses rapidly take hold. Unsafe water also fuels typhoid fever, which can progress to typhoid intestinal perforation—a life‑threatening condition in which the intestine swells and ruptures, requiring urgent surgery to survive. As access to healthcare becomes more difficult, serious illnesses go untreated; complications multiply and preventable deaths increase. The rains also mark the lean season, when household food stocks are exhausted, and new harvests are still months away. Undernutrition weakens immune systems just as disease spreads, driving a dangerous rise in malnutrition—particularly among children—and making even common illnesses deadly.

MSFSTO64358

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BROLL Rainy Season Zamfara

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Stagnant water

Hamida Abbakar (6), being checked on by MSF Dr. Abdulrahman Muhammad

Hamida in the Surgical Ward

Awalu Bilya (11), lays beside his mother, Rekiya Usman

Hamida Abbakar (6), and her mother, Asiya Suraju, in the Surgical Ward

Hamida Abbakar (6), and her mother, Asiya Suraju

Awalu Bilya (11), sits across his mother, Rekiya Usman

Surgical Ward, General Hospital Zurmi

Sadiq Umar (7), arrives at his home

Sadiq Umar (7), and his sister, Nana Khadija

Portrait of Sadiq Umar (7)

Sadiq Umar (7), receives treatment

Sadiq Umar (7), receives final check up

Stagnant water

MSF staff - nursing activity manager

7-month-old Yusuf Malami

Two-year old Nebila Rabiu

7-month-old Yusuf Malami

7-month-old old Yusuf Malami

Kalifa Badamasi, 3 years old,

General Hospital Shinkafi

Abubakar Ibrahim (12)

Kalifa Badamasi, 3 years old,

Kalifa Badamasi, 3 years old

2026

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Title Deadly rainy season in Zamfara, northwest Nigeria

Unique Identifier Code / URN MSFSTO64358

Editor's rating ★★★★★★ (B)

Date taken / Date Recorded 01/04/2026 12:00 AM

Sub type Standard Folder

Date taken / Date Recorded 01/04/2026 12:00 AM