Sudan’s health ministry has reported a concerning surge in cholera cases, exceeding 10,800 across 12 of the country’s 18 states. This alarming development comes amidst the ongoing civil war, highlighting the devastating impact of conflict on public health infrastructure and the ability to control infectious diseases.
“We have identified cholera cases in a dozen states, with the overall number reaching 10,800,” stated Health Minister Mohammed Ibrahim. Despite a vaccination campaign launched last November and December, Ibrahim acknowledged the challenge of containing the outbreak due to security issues stemming from the conflict. He expressed hope that new cases would not emerge by fall, but concerns remain.
The ongoing fighting has crippled vital healthcare services, with up to 80% of hospitals unable to fully operate. This lack of access to proper medical care exacerbates the spread of cholera, a highly contagious diarrheal disease. The situation is further compounded by the displacement of millions of people, creating crowded and unsanitary living conditions that further facilitate disease transmission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) initially reported cholera and dengue fever cases in eastern Sudan last September. Since then, the conflict has escalated, claiming the lives of over 5,000 individuals and displacing more than 5.2 million, according to UN figures. Despite ceasefire efforts mediated by Saudi Arabia and the US, violence continues to plague the nation.
The current cholera outbreak in Sudan underscores the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding amidst the civil war. Addressing this public health emergency requires not only medical interventions but also a peaceful resolution to the conflict, ensuring the restoration of essential services and access to clean water and sanitation for all affected communities.
