Cholera outbreak worsens in Khartoum amid power cuts, water shortages
May 22, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – A widespread cholera epidemic is escalating in Khartoum State, exacerbated by prolonged power outages that have led to a severe lack of potable water, forcing residents to consume contaminated water, sources told Sudan Tribune. The crisis is compounded by a deterioration of medical services in the capital.
Large areas of Khartoum State are grappling with a severe water supply crisis, compelling residents to resort to unsafe sources such as shallow wells and direct withdrawals from the Nile. These practices are contributing to the spread of diseases, particularly cholera.
The Sudan Doctors’ Network announced in a statement on Thursday that cholera cases have surged significantly. The statement reported 183 isolated cases at Al-Nau Hospital, with a growing number of registrations at Bashair Hospital, Turkish Hospital in South Khartoum, and Al-Ban Jadeed Hospital.
The network warned of the dangerous spread of cholera infection in Khartoum due to the increase in registered cases between May 15 and May 22. This necessitates urgent intervention from health authorities, public awareness campaigns about the disease’s risks, and warnings against using unchlorinated water.
The statement urged UN and regional health organizations to provide medical aid and chlorinated materials to Khartoum residents to curb the spread of the infection.
In a later development, the Karari Committees Coordination, in a Facebook post on Thursday evening, stated that Al-Nau Hospital’s cholera isolation centre had received over 200 cases. It indicated that a health emergency had been declared, all shops north of the hospital had been closed, and vehicle parking had been relocated. The post also highlighted a critical need for medical personnel.
It called on official bodies and citizens to seriously address the scale of the health catastrophe in the country.
For its part, the Khartoum State Ministry of Health has developed a rapid intervention plan to combat cholera, with federal health authorities and organizations supporting urgent response efforts.
During a Thursday meeting on the state’s health situation, the Khartoum State Ministry of Health stressed the importance of intensifying awareness campaigns and preparing for a vaccination drive against the epidemic to limit its spread and control.
Separately, the Umma National Party called on the Federal Ministry of Health to immediately declare a health emergency. It urged urgent intervention from regional and international humanitarian and medical organizations.
The party appealed to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) to provide medical assistance, essential medicines, and supplies to contain the spread of epidemics before they spiral out of control.
In a statement, the Umma National Party confirmed the spread of cholera cases in Jabal Awliya, South Omdurman, White Nile State, and South Gezira. It also noted an increase in dengue fever and malaria cases, which have killed the elderly, children, and women.
The statement added that hospitals in Omdurman are experiencing critical humanitarian conditions, with patients being held in environments lacking basic healthcare provisions amid a shortage of medical staff and the absence of vital specializations.