The Republic of Sudan has declared a severe cholera outbreak, reporting over 43,000 cholera cases and nearly 1,200 deaths across several states, including the country’s capital. Sudan’s current cholera outbreak is exacerbated as the Northeast African nation struggles with the collapse of its healthcare infrastructure, heavy rainfall and flooding, and continued conflict.
Cholera, a global threat to public health, is an acute diarrhoeal infection spread by consuming contaminated food and water. This results in acute diarrhea and dehydration, which can become fatal within hours if left untreated.
In a statement by Sudan’s Health Ministry, there have been over 221 new cases and two fatalities registered across eight Sudanese states, including Khartoum, Al Jazirah, Al Qadarif, Kassala, Nile River, Northern State, White Nile, and Sennar. The report by the Health Ministry brings the total number of registered cases and fatalities to 43,490 and 1,187, respectively.
Additionally, the Health Ministry reports a surge in dengue fever cases, with 15 new infections reported, bringing the total to over 8,000 cases and 16 deaths. Transmitted by mosquitoes, dengue fever causes high fever, severe headaches, and joint pain.
Sudan’s present health challenges are mainly due to limited access to non-contaminated food and clean water and a breakdown of the nation’s healthcare systems. On top of that is the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been ongoing since April 2023.
The broader humanitarian impact of Sudan’s conflict and disease surge
According to reports by the UN and local authorities, the conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 14 million people, further straining healthcare services. The broader consequences of the conflict in Sudan are staggering.
The reports have shown thousands of fatalities, including those who succumbed to preventable illnesses due to the collapse of the nation’s healthcare infrastructures. That, as well as subsequent overcrowding in displacement camps,
Famine conditions are reported in parts of Darfur, with displacement camps like Zamzam among the hardest hit. Refugees face heightened risks of malnutrition, gender-based violence, and mental health challenges.
The fight against cholera
While efforts by international mediators have failed to establish a lasting ceasefire between warring parties in Sudan, it hasn’t been maintained in the fight against cholera. UNICEF has responded to the disease surge in the White Nile state.
The agency has succeeded in providing 15,000 Sudanese with chlorine tablets and jerrycans. Additionally, the agency has supported 300,000 Sudanese through poly aluminum chlorine for water treatment plants.
UNICEF has also provided targeted areas with chlorine tablets to further the cause. This move by UNICEF and partnering agencies is geared towards making clean water available to families all over Sudan and more can be done to help alleviate the nation’s struggles.
All in all, while humanitarian organizations strive to cater to the nation’s health crisis, maintained diplomacy remains important to curtail further conflicts; sustainable peacebuilding, the restoration of essential services, and the provision of humanitarian aid are priorities to stabilize the nation and improve the quality of living among Sudanese.