Sudan’s cholera outbreak has rapidly spread to 10 of the country’s 18 states, with nearly 15,000 people infected and 473 deaths reported, according to the health ministry on Wednesday.
The outbreak, which began on August 12 after severe rains and flooding, has raised concerns that stagnant water is fueling the spread of the disease.
The ministry’s emergency operations center recorded 386 new cases, with the highest numbers reported in Kassala (141 cases), Gedaref (94 cases), and Gezira (83 cases). Overall, the epidemic has now reached 55 localities across 10 states, with a total of 14,944 reported cases.
Heavy rains and floods have impacted 907 areas in 54 localities across 11 states, worsening the situation and making it harder to contain the outbreak.
Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim held meetings on Wednesday with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to coordinate efforts in battling the epidemic and assisting the affected regions.
River Nile state has recorded 126 new cases, bringing its total to 3,937 infections and 93 deaths.
In anticipation of the disease reaching Khartoum state, the Supreme Committee for Emergency and Crisis Management has raised its preparedness, although no cases have yet been confirmed in the capital.
Sudan’s healthcare system is under severe strain, with 80% of health facilities in active conflict zones out of service, and 45% non-functional in other regions. The country is grappling with multiple health crises, including ongoing outbreaks of cholera and dengue fever, while also treating those injured in the war.
