As an ongoing war continued to tear apart Sudan, millions went into extreme poverty and poor living conditions, which caused an outbreak of cholera starting in late 2024. The northeastern African country has struggled with cholera outbreaks for years. Once the civil war broke out in early 2023, it brought even more immense hardship to the country and another epidemic. Millions of civilians—more than half the country’s population—had to relocate to various camps, including one in the country’s White Nile State. It is here that poor conditions and limited access to clean drinking water have led to a cholera outbreak, with 50,000 cases recorded in January and more than 1,300 deaths.

Sudan’s History with Cholera

Throughout its history, Sudan has faced problems with cholera outbreaks, time and time again. The disease, which is transmitted through contaminated food and water sources, has left many underdeveloped communities vulnerable to epidemics. During these outbreaks, many have had concerns and criticized the government’s lack of acknowledgement and response to the epidemics. The government never formally acknowledged the 2017 epidemic, even though the National Epidemiological Corporation recorded over 23,000 cases and more than 800 deaths linked to the disease. In 2019, the Sudanese government, with assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO), made a greater effort to curb another outbreak, mobilizing treatment centers, cholera kits and enhancing disease surveillance.

The Ongoing Conflict’s Effect on the Cholera Outbreak

Millions of people had to forcefully leave their homes and move into overcrowded camps due to the country’s current civil war. As the fighting continues to affect more areas, an increasing number of health facilities stop operating. This widespread lack of health care is ultimately worsening the cholera outbreak in Sudan.

Communities fleeing from the war and attacks on hospitals and health care facilities are only exacerbating the health care crisis, as people have to rely on aid groups, which have limited resources.

The current outbreak takes place in the White Nile State, which struggled with attacks early in February. These attacks damaged a power plant in the area, leaving many without power and cutting off access to water pumps. Without access to clean drinking water, cases of Cholera in the area surged.

Looking Forward

Treating the cholera outbreak in Sudan and the broader health care crisis is extremely challenging, as access to essential resources such as clean water, food, vaccines, and sanitation facilities is limited. However, Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), along with organizations such as the WHO and UNICEF, has launched several oral vaccination campaigns, accompanied by a ban on collecting water from local rivers.

The country is heavily reliant on outside help to establish facilities to fight the outbreak and help affected people. UNICEF-backed clinics help distribute rehydration solutions to people showing symptoms of cholera. In high-risk regions, UNICEF has also established areas for chlorinating water, which will help rid the cholera-causing bacteria from people’s drinking water. The power to stop this outbreak also lies within the communities and organizations working to educate people on how to prevent and treat cholera symptoms.

– Collier Simpson

Collier is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr