Cholera outbreak ravages Sudan, forcing school closures

September 23, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) — A cholera outbreak has forced authorities in the town of Al-Dabbah in northern Sudan to close schools, markets, and food establishments as the deadly disease spreads across the war-torn country.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has devastated the healthcare system, leaving most hospitals out of service and pharmacies looted. This has created fertile ground for the rapid spread of cholera, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

The Northern State’s Ministry of Health reported 307 cases and 18 deaths in Al-Dabbah alone. The local authorities responded by closing all schools and food vendors until further notice, and markets are now operating on restricted hours.

Residents like Amina Saleh, whose daughter is hospitalized with cholera, are struggling to cope with the crisis. Overcrowded isolation centers and shortages of medical supplies paint a grim picture. Saleh pleaded for the warring factions to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

The situation is similarly dire in Umbada, a suburb of Omdurman, where the local emergency room reported 800 cholera cases and 20 deaths in the past week. Malnutrition is also rampant, with 400 cases reported among children and pregnant women.

The Rapid Support Forces’ control over much of Umbada has created a virtual siege, further hindering access to essential supplies. The local health workers are overwhelmed and warn of a looming health catastrophe if the situation does not improve.

In Gedaref state in eastern Sudan, the Al-Faw Hospital has seen a surge in cholera cases, with 400 infections and 41 deaths reported. The disruption of the main water supply for over ten days forced residents to rely on contaminated sources, exacerbating the outbreak.

Local authorities have responded with measures like closing markets and chlorinating water sources, but the situation remains critical. The influx of patients from neighbouring states has strained resources even further.

The cholera outbreak began in mid-August following heavy rains and flooding, creating ideal conditions for the disease to spread. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to deepen, leaving its most vulnerable citizens at grave risk.