Cholera spreads across Sudan, death toll rises

SUDAN – A Cholera outbreak is spreading across several Sudanese States, with health authorities and emergency committees reporting new infections and fatalities amid deteriorating healthcare infrastructure and limited public access to medical facilities.

In El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, the local Emergency Room reported six confirmed cholera cases, including two deaths. Medical staff provided field reports and conducted hospital visits, confirming the outbreak. The committee warned that the actual number of infections is likely much higher, as many patients die before reaching hospitals or avoid seeking treatment altogether. Humanitarian organizations have begun establishing an isolation center at Al-Zahraa female dormitory in the Madaris neighborhood to manage the rising number of cases.

Aid agencies operating in the region have supplied essential medicines and hygiene kits. The Emergency Room praised the swift response from organizations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and the International Medical corps, among others. However, it urged the World Health Organization and other international bodies to intervene quickly to contain the outbreak and save lives. Residents were advised to avoid unsafe water sources and contaminated food.

Meanwhile, in South Darfur’s Nyala city, two new cholera infections were recorded on Sunday in the Al-Jir North and Domaya neighborhoods. According to the state’s of health emergency unit, the total number of cases has reached 96 since the outbreak began on May 27, with six reported deaths. Only one patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Sunday. Local health authorities continue Chlorinating water supplies and carrying out awareness campaigns in affected communities.

In Sennar state, the outbreak has escalated significantly. Acting minister of Health and Social Development, Dr.Ibrahim Alawad Ahmed, reported 153 suspected Cholera cases across the state, including nine death. of these, 12 patients remain in isolation centers. The majority of cases are concentrated in Sennar locality (119), followed by Singa, East Sennar, Abu Hujar, Al-Suki, and few cases in Al-Dinder, Al-Dali and Al-Mazmum. some patients reportedly arrived from neighboring states, including four from Gezira and one from Gedaref.

The state health ministry launched disinfection and spraying operations and distributed chlorine tablets in high-risk areas. Officials announced an emergency response plan and emphasized the need for continuous efforts across all health sectors. However, the director of curative medicine in Sennar, Dr. Mazahir Ali Mustafa, stressed that isolation facilities still lack adequate director, Mohamed Hassan Al-Badri, called for stronger intervention in affected communities, urging better coordination among ministry departments and greater NGO involvement.

In a related development, volunteers in Wad Al-Neel, Sennar, reported two suspected Cholera cases and called on authorities to send a rapid response team. In response, the Belgian branch of Medecins sans frontieres pledged to supply medical tents and drug support to local hospitals.

While Sennar and Darfur states battle rising cases, health officials in khartoum reported a significant decline in infections. The ministry said public awareness, improved hygiene practices, and water safety efforts contributed to the drop, but reiterated calls for citizens to maintain personal hygiene and use treated drinking water.