Cholera Outbreak Claims Nearly 100 Lives in Sudan's White Nile State

In a tragic turn of events, nearly 100 individuals have succumbed to cholera in Sudan's White Nile State within a mere two weeks since the outbreak's onset. The international humanitarian organization, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), reported that as of March 7, approximately 2,700 cases of the waterborne disease have been recorded, with 92 fatalities attributed to it.

This alarming situation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has been engulfed in civil war for nearly two years. The conflict, primarily between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to significant loss of life and displacement.

Intensified attacks by the RSF in White Nile State last month resulted in severe casualties, including the deaths of numerous civilians, among them infants. The Sudanese military reported making strategic advances during this period, which disrupted vital supply routes to the RSF.

On February 16, during one of the RSF's assaults, a projectile struck the Rabak power plant, leading to widespread power outages. This incident has been linked to the onset of the cholera outbreak, as it severely hindered access to clean water, forcing residents to rely on water transported by donkey carts, which is neither safe nor sanitary.

Marta Cazorla, MSF's emergency coordinator for Sudan, highlighted the detrimental long-term effects of attacks on critical infrastructure, particularly on the health of vulnerable populations. The cholera outbreak hit its peak from February 20 to 24, with an overwhelming influx of patients and their families at Kosti Teaching Hospital, which quickly became overloaded. Many of the affected individuals were suffering from severe dehydration.

In response to the outbreak, the White Nile State Health Ministry has taken steps to provide access to clean water for the community and has prohibited the use of donkey carts for water transport. Additionally, health officials conducted a vaccination campaign immediately after the outbreak was identified.

As of March 7, Sudan's health ministry has reported a cumulative total of 57,135 cholera cases and 1,506 deaths across 12 of the 18 states. The health crisis escalated after the cholera outbreak was officially declared on August 12, following a surge in cases that began in July.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 20,000 people, although estimates suggest the true figure may be significantly higher. The war has also displaced over 14 million individuals, precipitating famine conditions in various regions and contributing to disease outbreaks.