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Khartoum – news Agencies
Sudan is grappling with a worsening public health crisis as the rainy season intensifies the spread of epidemics across the country. Cholera, in particular, has emerged as a major threat, with thousands of cases reported nationwide — especially in Darfur — alongside outbreaks of malaria, dengue fever, and measles. The situation is further compounded by the collapse of basic health services and ongoing conflict.
Cholera Widespread, Death Toll Rising
The Federal Ministry of Health officially declared a cholera outbreak in August 2024, attributing the surge in cases to deteriorating sanitation and a lack of access to clean water amid the country’s ongoing conflict.
According to the Federal Emergency Operations Center, 1,575 new cholera cases and 22 deaths were reported in 44 localities in the past week alone. This brings the cumulative total to 101,450 cases and 2,515 deaths across 133 localities in 18 states since July 2024.
Speaking to the press, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim confirmed that emergency budgets were allocated to the states to combat the health crisis. He announced the launch of vector control campaigns in Khartoum and confirmed that several states had already begun similar efforts using their own resources. “We will not let them down,” he stated.
Darfur: The Epicenter of the Outbreak
Darfur has become the hardest-hit region, especially in overcrowded displacement camps. According to a report from the General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees, the region recorded 7,161 cholera cases, including 306 deaths, amid severe shortages of medical supplies and isolation facilities.
The worst-affected areas include:
- Golo (Jebel Marra): 1,105 cases, 51 deaths
- Kalma Camp: 435 cases, 64 deaths
- Atash Camp: 207 cases, 51 deaths
- Dereig Camp: 121 cases, 4 deaths
- Shairiya (Khashm el-Girba): 73 cases, 18 deaths
Other regions such as Tabra (178 cases), Rokia (111 cases/7 deaths), and Dreibat (149 cases/9 deaths) are also facing severe outbreaks. Cholera has also reached smaller localities such as Nierteti, Galdo, Fina, and multiple IDP camps in Central and South Darfur.
Additional Epidemics on the Rise
In addition to cholera, Sudan is battling multiple health threats:
- Dengue fever: 325 new cases reported in Khartoum; cumulative total stands at 5,350 cases with 6 deaths across 24 localities in 6 states.
- Measles: 35 cases reported, mostly in Tawila (North Darfur).
- Malaria: A staggering 46,458 cases were recorded recently, straining an already overwhelmed health system.
Limited Response Efforts Underway
Despite the challenges, the National Public Health Laboratory has deployed four mobile testing units. Meanwhile, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) reported 100% vaccination coverage in recent cholera and diphtheria campaigns in select states, with more campaigns scheduled.
The quarantine department reported that 14,337 people entered the country through official entry points, while 13,997 departed. A total of 11,189 returnees arrived voluntarily from Egypt (9,201) and South Sudan (1,327), with 1,019 still awaiting assistance.
Humanitarian Collapse in Darfur
Darfur’s humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating due to the collapse of the health system amid ongoing conflict. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) currently control four out of five Darfur states and are attempting to take control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, still held by the Sudanese Armed Forces. The RSF siege has worsened living and health conditions in the city and surrounding areas.
Rainy Season Exacerbates the Crisis
A separate report on the rainy season emergencies revealed that two states were affected by heavy rains, with 160 families (approximately 820 people) suffering damage to homes and property, further complicating the humanitarian and health situation.
As Sudan faces an escalating epidemic crisis, urgent national and international intervention is needed to restore health services, provide medical supplies, and contain the spread of deadly diseases before the situation spirals further out of control.
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