Cholera Outbreak Amidst Sudanese Conflict

The outbreak, officially declared in August 2024, has been exacerbated by heavy rainfall and flooding, which have compromised sanitation and access to clean water. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are collaborating with the Sudanese health ministry to implement vaccination campaigns, having delivered hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses to combat the spread of the disease. However, the health system in Sudan is severely strained, with 75% of health facilities in Khartoum nonfunctional due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. This violence has led to an estimated 20,000 deaths and the displacement of millions, further complicating efforts to control the cholera outbreak.

Current Situation

• Cholera Statistics: As of October 8, the cholera outbreak has resulted in 21,288 cases and 626 deaths, a significant rise from the previous counts of 15,577 cases and 506 deaths reported on September 26.
• Affected Regions: The majority of cases are concentrated in eastern Sudan, particularly in Kassala, which is currently the hardest-hit area.

Response Efforts

• Vaccination Campaigns: UNICEF has delivered 404,000 doses of the cholera vaccine and a UNICEF-chartered plane recently brought an additional 1.4 million doses, aiming to reach 1.81 million people in the affected states.
• Health System Challenges: The ongoing conflict has left the health care system in “freefall,” with most facilities nonfunctional, complicating the response to the cholera outbreak.

Ongoing Concerns

Health officials warn that the rapid spread of cholera is alarming, with calls for increased efforts in disease surveillance, community engagement, and provision of clean water and sanitation. The situation remains critical, as the combination of conflict and disease poses significant risks to public health in Sudan.