Sudan witnesses a fatal cholera outbreak, claiming the lives of 70 individuals within a span of two days.
Khartoum Faces Critical Cholera Outbreak Amidst Continuing Conflict and Infrastructure Damage
In a concerning development, Sudan's capital, Khartoum, is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has already claimed the lives of 70 people over two days. This alarming surge follows a series of drone strikes linked to the conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been ongoing for over two years.
The disruption caused by these strikes, including the destruction of water and electricity infrastructure, has worsened the already precarious living conditions. The lack of clean water, a crucial element in preventing the spread of cholera, has contributed significantly to the outbreak. Further complicating the situation, many displaced Sudanese who have returned to Khartoum and Omdurman reside in areas with inadequate sanitation facilities, amplifying the risk of disease transmission.
According to reports, over 60,000 cases of acute watery diarrhea/cholera have been documented in Sudan since August 2024, resulting in more than 1,600 fatalities. In Khartoum state alone, there have been 7,700 cases and 185 deaths since January. The past week has seen a sharp increase in cases, with 172 deaths reported amidst the recent surge.
International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), have mobilized by delivering medical aid and vaccinations to affected areas. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is also assisting in the crisis by supporting rapid response teams, launching communication campaigns, and distributing hygiene kits. The Ministry of Health is collaborating with these international partners and working diligently to coordinate the epidemic response efforts.
However, despite these efforts, the situation remains daunting, with health facilities struggling under the strain and sanitation conditions deteriorating as the approaching rainy season threatens to increase water contamination risks. The ongoing conflict and its effects on infrastructure continue to pose significant challenges to maintaining a hold on the outbreak.
This cholera outbreak serves to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced 13 million people, and led the United Nations to label it as the world's worst ongoing humanitarian crisis. Approximately 90% of hospitals in conflict zones have closed due to the war.
[1] World Health Organization. (n.d.). Cholera in Sudan (2024). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/cholera-sudan[2] International Rescue Committee. (n.d.). Sudan Cholera Outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.rescue.org/emergencies/sudan-cholera-outbreak[3] Reuters. (2024, February 16). Sudan reports more than 1,600 deaths from cholera since August. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sudan-reports-more-than-1600-deaths-cholera-since-august-2024-02-16/[4] United Nations, OCHA. (n.d.). Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan - 2024. Retrieved from https://www.unocha.org/sudan/humanitarian-response-plan
- The cholera outbreak in Khartoum, exacerbated by the destruction of water and electricity infrastructure due to ongoing conflict, has amplified the medical-conditions and health-and-wellness concerns in Sudan, as evidenced by the World Health Organization's response and the increasing number of documented cases and fatalities.
- In the midst of Sudan's ongoing conflict, the medical-conditions of cholera have risen dramatically, particularly in Khartoum and Omdurman, where the lack of clean water, inadequate sanitation facilities, and damaged infrastructure have contributed to the science-based understanding that cholera thrives in situations of poor hygiene and water contamination.
