Sudan devastated by new wave of cholera outbreak

A new wave of cholera in Sudan, the second outbreak since the start of the war sixteen months ago, is threatening displaced communities across the country, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned on Friday.

“Of particular concern is the spread of the disease in areas hosting refugees, mainly in Kassala, Gedaref and Jazirah states. In addition to hosting refugees from other countries, these states are also sheltering thousands of displaced Sudanese who have sought safety from ongoing hostilities,” said the agency.

To date, the cumulative number of refugee cholera cases is 119 in three refugee sites in Kassala state, as reported by Sudan’s Ministry of Health. Tragically, five refugees have died after contracting the disease.

“While cholera cases have been reported in Gedaref state, no refugees have been impacted to date by the outbreak there, but we continue to monitor the situation.”

The recent cholera outbreak has resurged after several weeks of heavy rainfall and resulting flooding. Risks are compounded by the continuing conflict and dire humanitarian conditions, including overcrowding in camps and gathering sites for refugees and Sudanese citizens displaced by the war, as well as limited medical supplies and health workers.

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This is in addition to overstretched health, water and sanitation and hygiene infrastructure – all of which have been heavily impacted by the war.

In addition to the spread of cholera, increasing cases of waterborne diseases including malaria and diarrhea, are also being reported. Constraints in humanitarian access are impacting response efforts.

“Fighting, insecurity and persistent rainfall are hampering the transportation of humanitarian aid. In Sennar, Blue Nile, Jazirah, White Nile, Darfur, and Kordofan states – home to more than 7.4 million refugees and internally displaced Sudanese – access challenges have delayed the delivery of critical medicines and relief supplies,” UNHCR stated.

Since the start of the conflict in Sudan, over 10.3 million people have reportedly been driven from their homes, sheltering elsewhere within Sudan or in neighbouring countries.

With the humanitarian situation and funding level already precarious prior to this latest cholera outbreak, funds are desperately needed to support the provision of health care and other life-saving aid, the UN agency appealed.

This, it emphasized, includes an expansion of cholera treatment centres and other health facilities, additional health staff, and increased stocks of intravenous fluid and medicines.