Cholera outbreak spreads to Sudan’s Nile River State

January 15, 2024 (ATBARA) – The Emergency and Epidemic Control Department of the Sudanese Ministry of Health in Nile River State has confirmed four new cases of cholera within the past two days.

This development follows previous outbreaks in Gedaref and Khartoum states last September, which have since spread to other regions, including Al-Jazira, White Nile, Red Sea, and Kassala. The United Nations has projected that the cholera outbreak could affect over three million Sudanese.

The cumulative report from the Department of Emergency and Epidemic Control indicates a total of ten cholera cases in Nile River State, with four occurring in Atbara and six in Al-Damer within the same timeframe.

Amal Ahmed Majzoub, Director General of the Ministry of Health in Nile River State, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to implement and support health initiatives, as well as intensify awareness and education campaigns regarding epidemics. She also highlighted the significance of the Environmental Health Department’s interventions in curbing the spread of cholera.

Majzoub urged the public to adhere to preventive measures, including covering eating utensils, washing hands thoroughly, reporting suspected cases promptly, and refraining from consuming untreated water.

The Sudanese Ministry of Health launched its second vaccination campaign against cholera in Khartoum State last December, targeting the areas of Karari, Umbada, and East Nile.

The first campaign was conducted in Gedaref and Gezira states in November, with the Global Mechanism for the Elimination of the Disease providing approximately 2.2 million vaccine doses to combat the disease.

(ST)