Sudan: Cholera threatens thousands of lives

The conflict in Sudan has transformed many urban areas into battlefields, destroying civilian infrastructure and overwhelming the health system, with around 70% of hospitals non-functional in affected areas. Outbreaks of cholera and dengue fever have been reported in eastern Sudan, where thousands of people are sheltering in crowded camps amid deadly fighting, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The war in Sudan, which was erupted in mid-April, has left thousands dead and uprooted more than five million, with impacts across the region. Sudan is also grappling with disease outbreaks and malnutrition, compounded by heavy rains and flooding. In such conditions, the cholera outbreak has had devastating effects in the context of a health system already overstretched because of war, lack of medical supplies, malnutrition, and access challenges, threatening the lives of thousands of people.

Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in Gedaref State, where 264 suspected cholera cases, 4 confirmed cases and 16 associated deaths were reported by 25 September 2023. According to the UN health agency, there have been reports of cholera and dengue fever outbreaks in eastern Sudan, where thousands of people are sheltering in crowded camps amid the deadly fighting. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports showed the admission of 162 people suspected of having cholera to hospitals in Qadarif province and other areas along Sudan’s border with Ethiopia, 80 confirmed cases, and 10 deaths due to cholera before October.

According to WHO, while poverty and conflict remain enduring drivers for cholera worldwide, more power storms and flooding from climate change are also fueling outbreaks. The conflict in Sudan turned many urban areas into battlefields, wrecking civilian infrastructure and overwhelming healthcare system, with around 70% non-functional hospitals in conflict-affected states. Coordinate international and national efforts are required to scale up access to clean water and sanitation facilities while ensuring affected and at-risk communities are aware of transmission risks and proper hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the outbreak and save more lives.

References
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/09/1141682
https://emro.who.int/sdn/sudan-news/who-scales-up-response-following-sudan-declaration-of-cholera-outbreak.html
https://www.trtafrika.com/africa/who-reports-cholera-outbreak-in-sudan-amid-war-15138514