Summary
Cholera is currently spreading rapidly in Sudan, exacerbated by an ongoing military conflict between rival factions. In the past two months, the disease has claimed at least 388 lives and infected approximately 13,000 people, primarily in areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding, where many displaced individuals have sought refuge.
The cholera outbreak is occurring against a backdrop of severe humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged fighting between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. The conflict has resulted in over 20,000 deaths and displaced more than 13 million people, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis. The Health Ministry has reported cholera cases in 10 of Sudan’s 18 provinces, with the eastern Kassala and al-Qadarif regions being the most affected. Cholera, known for causing severe dehydration and death if untreated, is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. This outbreak is reminiscent of a major cholera crisis in 2017, which also resulted in significant casualties.
Humanitarian Impact
The ongoing conflict has devastated Sudan’s infrastructure, making it difficult for health authorities to respond effectively to the cholera outbreak. Flooding has compounded the situation, with recent reports indicating that at least 225 people have died due to floods, and critical facilities have been destroyed. The combination of conflict, natural disasters, and disease has left over 25 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—facing acute hunger this year.
International Response
International organizations, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, have called for urgent humanitarian assistance and intervention. They emphasize the need for unimpeded access to affected populations to mitigate the impacts of both cholera and the ongoing conflict. Despite these calls, the situation remains dire, with reports of atrocities and significant challenges in delivering aid to those in need.
Dozens killed by paramilitary RSF in Sudan’s Gezira, aid groups say
Oct. 26 / Al Jazeera / UNICEF's urgent call for international attention highlights the devastating impact of RSF attacks in Gezira state, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis where acute hunger affects over 25 million people. “ UNICEF calls for more international attention to ‘the forgotten crisis’ as about 25.6 million people face acute hunger. Dozens of civilians have been killed...
Sudan Paramilitary Group Faces U.S. Sanctions
Oct. 9 / Newsweek / Sanctions against RSF leaders provide a critical perspective on international responses to the conflict, revealing the complexities of arms supply and humanitarian needs amid a deepening crisis in Sudan. “ The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned a senior leader of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for supplying weapons to the war-torn country....
Cholera is spreading in Sudan as fighting between rival generals shows no sign of abating
Sep. 23 / Abc News / Reiterating the cholera statistics, it effectively frames the outbreak within the context of the ongoing conflict, though it lacks unique insights compared to other reports, making it feel somewhat redundant. “ CAIRO -- Cholera is spreading in war-torn Sudan , killing at least 388 people and sickening about 13,000 others over the past two months, health authorities...
Cholera is spreading in Sudan as fighting between rival generals shows no sign of abating
Sep. 23 / Apnews / This piece delivers similar information as others but stands out for its concise presentation of cholera's rapid spread and its connection to the broader humanitarian crisis, making it accessible and informative. “ CAIRO (AP) — Cholera is spreading in war-torn Sudan , killing at least 388 people and sickening about 13,000 others over the past two months, health...
Cholera Is Spreading in Sudan as Fighting Between Rival Generals Shows No Sign of Abating
Sep. 23 / Usnews / Offering a comprehensive overview of the cholera situation, it emphasizes the interplay of conflict and disease, but its length may deter readers seeking a quicker understanding of the ongoing crisis. “ CAIRO (AP) — Cholera is spreading in war-torn Sudan , killing at least 388 people and sickening about 13,000 others over the past two months, health...
Cholera is spreading in Sudan as fighting between rival generals shows no sign of abating
Sep. 23 / Gazette / Detailed statistics on the cholera outbreak provide a stark view of Sudan's health crisis, linking it to ongoing military conflict and natural disasters, while underscoring the dire need for humanitarian intervention. “ CAIRO (AP) — Cholera is spreading in war-torn Sudan , killing at least 388 people and sickening about 13,000 others over the past two months, health...