Sudan specialist reports hepatitis outbreak, urges official declaration

October 13, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – An epidemiology specialist on Monday reported more than 100 cases of hepatitis in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state and urged the government to declare an epidemic to help combat the outbreak officially.

Dr Adiba Ibrahim Al-Sayed, an internal medicine and epidemiology specialist, revealed that 102 cases of hepatitis have been recently recorded in Al Jazirah state, with an additional two cases in Khartoum.

Hepatitis, a dangerous liver disease caused by a virus, is transmitted through contaminated food, water, and blood. “Complications of the disease can lead to rapid liver cirrhosis or liver cancer, especially if it is not treated correctly and quickly,” Al-Sayed told Sudan Tribune.

She called on the Minister of Health to officially declare the outbreak, which would allow international and local health organizations to provide the necessary support.

Preventive measures include vaccination, improved sanitation, using clean water, and avoiding contact with contaminated blood, Al-Sayed noted.

She urged the Ministry of Health to take immediate action to control the spread, including improving water and sanitation infrastructure, intensifying health awareness campaigns, and speeding up the provision of necessary vaccines.

Al-Sayed also stressed the need for coordination between the health ministry, water and sanitation bodies, and local authorities to ensure an effective response.