Cholera cases emerge in Eastern Sudan’s Suakin area

November 11, 2023 (PORT SUDAN) – Two cholera cases, including one death, have been reported in the Suakin area of Sudan’s Red Sea state, raising concerns about the potential for a wider outbreak.

The cases were confirmed by a Sudanese health official who wished to remain anonymous. They also noted that the United Nations has estimated that 3.1 million people in eight Sudanese states could be infected with watery diarrhoea and cholera between July and the end of this year.

In response to the emerging threat, the Executive Director of Port Sudan Locality, Moatasem Al-Zaki, has ordered the closure of the city’s main market daily from 5 p.m. until 5 a.m. The closure will begin today, November 11, 2023, and will remain in effect until further notice.

The statement issued by the locality also announced that Port Sudan Market will be closed on Saturday of every week from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. for cleaning operations.

The decision to close the market has sparked concerns among some residents, who have expressed fears about the spread of epidemics in the city due to the proliferation of flies and the accumulation of waste following recent heavy rains.

According to the Ministry of Health’s epidemiological monitoring report up to November 9, 2023, 2,838 people have been infected with cholera in the states of Gedaref, Kassala, Red Sea, and Sennar, with 85 deaths.

The health system in Sudan is facing numerous challenges, including a severe shortage of medicines, equipment, and medical personnel. Additionally, 70% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas, including the states of Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan, are no longer operational.