Cholera Outbreak Spreads to Northern Sudan

Cholera Outbreak Spreads to Northern Sudan

An official from Sudan’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of suspected cholera cases in the Northern State, while the number of confirmed cases has risen in the Nile River State, Sudan Tribune reports.

The Sudanese government first reported a cholera outbreak in the states of Gedaref and Khartoum in September 2023, and the epidemic has since spread to several other states, including Al-Jazira, White Nile, Red Sea, and Kassala. The Nile River State also reported its first cases in January 2024.

The United Nations had previously warned that the cholera outbreak could affect over three million Sudanese people.

The Ministry of Health official also indicated that the Ministry plans to launch a third cholera vaccination campaign in February 2024.

The Ministry urged the public to implement preventive measures, including covering eating utensils, washing hands frequently, reporting suspected cases, and avoiding consuming untreated water.

The outbreak comes at a critical juncture for Sudan, as its healthcare system is already strained due to the ongoing conflict. An estimated 70% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas have been rendered non-operational, and those in non-conflict zones are struggling to cope with the influx of displaced people. This dire situation has made it even more difficult to contain the cholera outbreak and provide adequate treatment to affected individuals.