Cholera Outbreak in Sudan Claims Over 170 Lives Amid Ongoing Crisis

A significant cholera outbreak has emerged in Sudan, resulting in the deaths of 172 individuals and affecting more than 2,500 others within a single week. The outbreak is primarily concentrated in the capital, Khartoum, and the neighboring city of Omdurman, where many residents are returning home following an extended period of conflict.

As civil unrest continues to disrupt the nation, the public health infrastructure has largely deteriorated, leaving many without access to clean water--a critical factor in the spread of cholera. The ongoing civil war, which has lasted for two years, has exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Sudan, making it one of the most severe crises globally.

According to the Health Ministry, the number of cholera cases has surged dramatically, with daily reports increasing from 90 to 815 between May 15 and May 25. Since the onset of the year, over 7,700 cases have been documented, including more than 1,000 children under four years old. While Khartoum and Omdurman have reported the highest concentration of cases, five surrounding provinces have also recorded instances of the disease.

Medical professionals are expressing concern over the rapidly escalating situation. Treatment centers established by humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, are overwhelmed, with reports indicating that many patients arrive too late to receive effective care. The full extent of the outbreak remains unclear, as health workers can only address a fraction of the affected population.

The cholera outbreak has been fueled by a combination of factors. Following the military's recapture of Khartoum from rival forces in March, approximately 34,000 people have returned to the city. However, they have found their homes damaged and the area ravaged by months of conflict. Additionally, attacks on power plants have disrupted electricity supplies, contributing to water shortages and hampering sanitation efforts.

Dr. Rania Elsayegh from Sudan's Doctors for Human Rights highlighted that many individuals are resorting to drinking contaminated water, further exacerbating the spread of the disease. With the health system in disarray--over 80% of hospitals are non-operational--those that are functioning face significant shortages of essential resources like water, electricity, and medications.

Cholera, often referred to by the World Health Organization as a "disease of poverty," is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. Although it is treatable with proper medical intervention, severe cases can lead to death within hours if not addressed promptly. The global stockpile of oral cholera vaccines is critically low, which complicates efforts to manage and contain outbreaks.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 due to escalating tensions between military factions, has resulted in devastating consequences. Reports indicate that at least 24,000 people have lost their lives, with millions displaced and forced to flee their homes. The humanitarian toll includes famine declarations in multiple regions, particularly the war-torn Darfur area.

Cholera is not an uncommon issue in Sudan, with previous outbreaks affecting thousands. The current situation is compounded by a resurgence of other diseases, including a recent dengue fever outbreak that has sickened approximately 12,900 individuals and resulted in at least 20 fatalities.