Sudan is currently grappling with a severe cholera outbreak for the second year in a row, as the ongoing conflict continues to displace millions and hinder aid efforts. According to Shible Sahbani, the World Health Organization (WHO) country director, 658 cholera cases have been recorded across five states since July 22, 2024, resulting in at least 28 fatalities.
The situation is particularly dire due to the 16-month-old war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has led to the displacement of over 10 million people both within and outside Sudan's borders. This massive displacement has created one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, severely impacting the country's health infrastructure.
The cholera outbreak is exacerbated by several factors:
- Collapsed health infrastructure
- Shortage of medical staff
- Limited access to aid in RSF-controlled areas
- Heavy rainfall and flooding
- Overcrowded displacement centers with poor sanitation
Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, the health minister, reported that the previous cholera wave from October 2023 to May 2024 resulted in approximately 12,000 cases and over 350 deaths. This marks a significant increase in cholera incidents, as Sudan had not experienced a major outbreak in the nine years preceding the current conflict.
"The challenge is getting supplies to the areas we need them. Due to the rainy season many roads are not usable now, but also there are security constraints and bureaucratic constraints."
In response to the crisis, the International Coordinating Group for vaccine allocation (ICG) has approved the delivery of 455,000 cholera vaccine doses to Sudan. However, this aid falls far short of the country's needs, as the United Nations' humanitarian appeal for Sudan is only about one-third funded.
The cholera outbreak is centered in Kassala and Gedaref states, which currently host 1.2 million displaced people. These areas are particularly vulnerable due to poor water quality, inadequate sewage systems, and the presence of disease-carrying insects.
It's crucial to note that cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The disease can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water, which is unfortunately the case in many parts of war-torn Sudan.
As Sudan continues to battle this health crisis, the international community's support remains vital. The provision of safe water, sanitation, and medical supplies is critical to controlling the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases in the affected regions.