Sudan cholera deaths near 700, cases approach 24,000

October 13, 2024 (KASSALA) – Sudan’s cholera outbreak has killed 677 people, with the number of cases nearing 24,000, the health ministry said on Sunday, as the country battles the epidemic amid a raging civil war.

On Oct. 5, Sudan received 1.4 million cholera vaccine doses to inoculate more than a million people in River Nile, Kassala and Gedaref states, following an earlier vaccination campaign in parts of Kassala.

The ministry’s emergency operations centre said 107 new cases were recorded in six states. Kassala state accounted for 42 new cases, followed by River Nile with 17 and Gedaref with 15.

The cumulative number of cases has risen to 23,887, including 677 deaths.

The outbreak began on Aug. 12 after heavy rains and floods swept vast areas. Stagnant water has become a breeding ground for disease, while the war has disrupted healthcare services.

The emergency operations centre said it was continuing its efforts to combat the epidemic, including monitoring isolation centres, conducting home visits, holding community dialogues and raising awareness in the media.

The actual number of cholera cases is likely much higher than reported, as around 80% of healthcare facilities in active conflict zones are out of service, and up to 40% of facilities in other areas are disrupted.