Sudan Faces Catastrophic Health Crisis Amid Cholera Surge

Cholera cases skyrocketing in Sudan as conflict cripples healthcare, putting lives at risk.

War-ravaged Sudan is poised for a catastrophic public health crisis, with cholera spreading rapidly across the nation, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Recent figures revealed by Sudan's Health Ministry indicate that 172 fatalities have occurred in just one week due to the cholera outbreak, particularly prevalent in Khartoum state. Locals claim drone strikes have triggered prolonged power outages at water purification facilities, compelling residents to resort to drinking contaminated water. IRC's country director for Sudan, Eatizaz Yousif, emphasized that the ongoing civil war, now entering its third year, is accelerating the cholera resurgence.

In their communications, IRC highlighted a critical gap in cholera vaccination coverage, coupled with a concerning shortage of essential medical supplies. Reports from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) indicate that "thousands of suspected cholera cases" have surfaced in Khartoum since the preceding month. Slaymen Ammar, the organization's medical co-ordinator, noted that the conflict has severely undermined basic healthcare infrastructure. He pointed out that many remaining health workers have fled due to ongoing violence, leaving the few available facilities inundated with patients.

As reported, around 500 new cholera cases emerged within a single day last week in Khartoum, while other regions, including northern and southern Sudan, are also witnessing growing numbers. While many affected individuals may experience mild symptoms, cholera poses a fatal threat when it leads to severe diarrhea, necessitating antibiotics and intravenous fluids, per World Health Organization guidelines. Since the onset of Sudan’s conflict over two years ago, more than 150,000 lives have been lost, with millions displaced and the United Nations declaring it as the world's most severe humanitarian crisis.