Cholera cases surge in eastern Sudan, health officials warn

 August 25, 2024 (GEDAREF) – Cholera cases have surged in five districts of eastern Sudan’s Gedaref state, health officials said on Sunday, amid concerns over a weak government response.

The emergency room in Gedaref reported 125 cases and seven deaths. The majority of infections are in the Wad Al-Hiliu area.

“Most cases are in Wad Al-Hiliu, reaching 70 infections, while 20 cases are in Fashqa,” a health official told Sudan Tribune.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticized the state’s response and its failure to implement preventive measures.

“There are areas that have not yet received water purification doses,” the official said.

Sudan’s health ministry last week reported a nationwide increase in cholera cases to 556. The country also faces rising cases of malaria, conjunctivitis, and night blindness.

Sudan often experiences disease outbreaks during the rainy season due to flooding and poor sanitation.