After floods, strife-torn Sudan battles cholera as disease kills 388 in two months

People collect clean water in Gedaref in eastern Sudan. Cholera is transmitted through contaminated food and water. 
| Photo Credit: AFP

Cholera continues to spread in war-torn Sudan, with at least 388 fatalities and around 13,000 cases reported in the past two months, according to health authorities. The ongoing conflict between the military and a paramilitary group has contributed to the outbreak, which is worsening in areas heavily impacted by recent flooding, particularly in eastern Sudan where many war-displaced individuals are seeking shelter.

Over the weekend, six people succumbed to cholera and approximately 400 others fell ill, as reported by the Health Ministry. The disease has been identified in 10 out of the country’s 18 provinces, with Kassala and al-Qadarif provinces in the east experiencing the highest number of cases.

Cholera is a rapidly spreading and highly contagious infection that causes severe dehydration and can be fatal within hours if left untreated. The disease is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and water.

This recent outbreak adds to Sudan’s history of cholera crises, with a major outbreak in 2017 claiming the lives of at least 700 individuals and infecting around 22,000 within a short period of time.

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April last year, has led to widespread devastation, with tens of thousands of casualties and millions displaced. The ongoing violence has also resulted in mass atrocities, including rape and ethnically motivated killings, prompting concerns from the United Nations and international human rights organizations.

Additionally, Sudan is grappling with the effects of devastating floods, which have claimed over 200 lives and left hundreds injured. Critical infrastructure has been destroyed, and tens of thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Furthermore, famine has been declared in the Zamzam camp for displaced individuals, with experts warning that more than half of Sudan’s population will face acute hunger this year. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing fighting in Darfur, particularly in al-Fasher, where clashes between the military and paramilitary forces continue.

The latest attack by the paramilitary force and allied militias on al-Fasher was met with resistance from rebel groups, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict shows no signs of abating, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.