Sudan cholera deaths rise to 545 amid outbreak

October 1, 2024 (KASSALA) – Sudan’s cholera outbreak has killed 545 people and infected more than 18,000, the health ministry said on Tuesday, as the country struggles to contain the spread of the disease.

The outbreak began in August following heavy rains and flooding, which created conditions for cholera to spread through contaminated water.

The ministry said in a statement that three states had the highest infection rates: Khartoum state, White Nile state and Northern state.

It added that 188 new cases were recorded in four states on Tuesday, with seven new deaths.

The ministry acknowledged challenges in controlling the outbreak, including a lack of funding for treatment centres and poor health awareness among the public.

River Nile state reported a total of 4,471 cases and 99 deaths, with 37 new infections on Tuesday.

The ministry also reported two new cases of dengue fever, bringing the total to 440 cases and three deaths. Khartoum state has the highest number of dengue cases.

The ministry said it was working with the United Nations Population Fund to provide health services, including treatment for malnutrition, in displacement camps.

It added that efforts were underway to deliver food aid to Darfur and Kordofan, but the security situation made it difficult.