Understanding the Cholera Outbreak in Sudan: Causes, Impact, and Challenges

A rapid and widespread cholera outbreak has emerged in Sudan, resulting in the deaths of over 170 individuals and affecting more than 2,500 people in the past week alone. This emerging health crisis is centered in Khartoum, the capital, where recent returns of displaced populations, combined with severely damaged water and sanitation infrastructure, have facilitated the spread of the disease. Many residents are resorting to unclean water sources, significantly increasing their risk of infection.

The outbreak's escalation was underscored by reports from UNICEF, indicating that daily cases surged dramatically from 90 to over 800 between May 15 and 25. Since the start of the year, over 7,700 cases have been recorded, including more than 1,000 children under the age of 4. Healthcare systems are overwhelmed, especially in Omdurman, where treatment centers face a shortage of resources and staff, and many patients arrive too late for effective treatment.

The crisis is intensified by ongoing conflict within Sudan, which has devastated vital infrastructure. Since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023, thousands have been killed, and millions displaced. Battles have led to widespread destruction of homes, water supplies, and healthcare facilities, aggravating the risk factors for cholera transmission.

Cholera is caused by ingestion of water or food contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It typically causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, and if untreated, it can be fatal within hours. Though largely preventable and treatable with rehydration and antibiotics, the global stockpiles of oral cholera vaccines are currently below necessary levels, complicating outbreak containment.

Sudan has experienced previous cholera outbreaks, notably in 2017, which caused at least 700 deaths and infected 22,000 people in less than two months. The ongoing conflicts, severe water shortages, and damaged sanitation systems continue to foster favorable conditions for cholera and other communicable diseases.

The situation remains precarious, with health authorities urging international aid and support to manage the crisis, prevent further infections, and rebuild essential health infrastructure. The combination of conflict, environmental challenges, and public health vulnerabilities underpins the persistent threat of cholera in Sudan.