A deadly cholera outbreak in Sudan has so far claimed the lives of at least 70 people, with hundreds more infected as health professionals struggle to contain the spread of the disease.
The outbreak, which started in parts of eastern Sudan, has now spread to other regions, including conflict zones where access to clean water and overall healthcare is already scarce.
Health authorities say over 1,200 suspected cases reported so far. The victims are largely children and old people, who stand a greater likelihood of developing dehydration and severe complications.
Unclean water, lack of sanitation, and the insurgency, which has denied hospitals basic supplies and health personnel adequate numbers, are fueling cholera’s spread.
Medical personnel, supported by international relief agencies, are now trying to provide emergency treatment, including oral rehydration, safe water, and sanitation kits. Yet they warn that conditions can deteriorate further without immediate global help.
“We are overwhelmed. Many of the clinics don’t have medicines, and safe water is hard to come by,” one health worker said.
Cholera, due to a bacterial infection through unclean water or tainted food, causes diarrhoea and vomiting and can be lethal if left untreated.
The health ministry of Sudan made an urgent appeal to humanitarians for aid, calling for medicine, water purification systems, and support to rebuild devastated rural health infrastructure.
As the rainy season approaches, fears are escalating that the flood waters will fuel the crisis by spreading the bacteria to neighboring communities.
The United Nations and World Health Organization both sounded the alarm, calling for immediate measures to stop the outbreak from spiraling out of control.
