Sudan Announces Severe Outbreak of Cholera

Sudan Announces Severe Outbreak of Cholera

Yesterday, Sudan’s health minister announced a cholera epidemic following weeks of heavy rainfall in the war-torn country, according to a video released by his ministry. Haitham Ibrahim stated in the video that the epidemic was declared due to the adverse weather conditions and contamination of drinking water. The decision was made in coordination with authorities in Kassala state, UN agencies, and experts after the public health laboratory confirmed the presence of the cholera virus.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in conflict between the Sudanese army, led by de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. This conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 25 million people—more than half the population—facing acute hunger. Famine has been declared in a displacement camp in Darfur.

The country has experienced torrential rainfall for weeks, severely affecting Kassala state. Local authorities have urgently requested international aid as thousands have been displaced by flooding, leading to a rise in illnesses such as diarrhea, particularly among children. Cholera, which causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, typically spreads through contaminated food or water, according to the World Health Organization.