Cholera Outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State Escalates Amid Conflict

Nearly 100 deaths from cholera occurred in Sudan’s White Nile State within two weeks, with 2,700 cases reported since February 20, according to MSF. Infrastructure damage amid armed conflict contributed to the outbreak. Local health ministries are implementing measures to respond, but the broader health crisis persists due to ongoing warfare.

In Sudan’s White Nile State, nearly 100 individuals have died from a cholera outbreak in just two weeks, as reported by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Since February 20, approximately 2,700 cases of cholera have been confirmed, with 92 fatalities, including 18 children under the age of 9. This surge in infection follows a period of ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The RSF’s recent assaults on White Nile State have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including infants. These attacks disrupted vital infrastructure, leading to a lack of clean water and increased cholera transmission. Specifically, a projectile damage to the Rabak power plant led to mass power outages, forcing residents to rely on contaminated water supplies.

MSF emergency coordinator Marta Cazarola highlighted the long-term health impacts from targeting critical infrastructure, stating, “Attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities.” During the peak cholera outbreak from February 20 to 24, Kosti Teaching Hospital was overwhelmed, requiring additional resources from MSF to manage incoming patients.

To respond to the disease’s spread, the White Nile State Health Ministry has improved access to clean water, prohibited water transport by donkey carts, and initiated a vaccination campaign. Nationally, Sudan’s health ministry has reported over 57,000 cholera cases and 1,506 deaths as of March, with the situation worsened by the ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 20,000 lives and displaced 14 million people.

The cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State has resulted in nearly 100 deaths in two weeks, with thousands infected amid ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage. MSF is providing critical aid, but local health responses are challenged by severe water shortages. The broader health crisis in Sudan is exacerbated by the war, which has led to widespread displacement and food insecurity, driving disease outbreaks including cholera.

Original Source: www.usnews.com