Sudan's Capital Faces Severe Cholera Outbreak as Death Toll Rises

The city of Khartoum, Sudan's capital, is currently grappling with a devastating cholera outbreak that has claimed the lives of at least 70 individuals over just two days. This alarming surge in infections comes amid ongoing conflict and infrastructure collapse, severely impairing basic services like water and electricity. According to the Khartoum State health officials, there have been 942 new cases and 25 fatalities reported on Wednesday alone, after a record high of 1,177 cases and 45 deaths the previous day. The outbreak is exacerbated by recent drone strikes targeting water and power supplies, further worsening living conditions.

The conflict between government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has significantly damaged the city's infrastructure. The recent military operations have led to the displacement of thousands and the destruction of healthcare facilities, making it increasingly difficult to manage the health crisis. The health ministry has reported a total of 172 cholera-related deaths in the past week, overwhelmingly concentrated in Khartoum State.

Despite efforts to control the disease, environmental conditions such as poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water continue to propel the outbreak. While health authorities indicate that approximately 89% of patients in isolation are recovering, the overall situation remains dire due to ongoing violence and infrastructural challenges. The cholera epidemic further strains an already overwhelmed healthcare system, where over 90% of hospitals have been rendered inoperative by conflict.

This health crisis is part of a broader humanitarian emergency, with the United Nations describing the situation as one of the world's worst. The ongoing violence has led to the displacement of around 13 million people, and the destruction of essential services continues to hinder aid. The situation underscores the critical need for peace and stabilization to prevent further loss of life and to enable effective disease control.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-cholera-outbreak-sudan-capital-days.html