Cholera Outbreak Declared in Sudan as Heavy Rains Worsen Health Situation
Agencies - Moatinoon
The Sudanese Minister of Health announced yesterday the outbreak of a cholera epidemic as heavy rains have been pouring over large areas of Sudan for weeks. This announcement comes after warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) about thousands of cholera cases being recorded in Sudan.
Margaret Harris, a WHO official, stated on Friday that the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Sudan has exacerbated the spread of diseases, including cholera, with the bacterial illness claiming the lives of over 300 people. She added that 11,327 cases of cholera and 316 deaths have been reported.
The WHO official warned that cases of dengue fever and meningitis are also on the rise. She noted that "the numbers are likely higher than what is being reported."
In a video released by his ministry, Minister Haitham Ibrahim said, "We declare that there is a cholera epidemic in Sudan... due to environmental conditions and unsafe drinking water in several locations."
He explained that the decision was made "with the presence of all concerned parties at the federal level, the Ministry of Health in Kassala State, UN agencies, and several experts" after "the microorganism was isolated through laboratory testing... and confirmed to be cholera."
Ibrahim pointed out that the states of Kassala and Gedaref in eastern Sudan are the most affected by the epidemic, without specifying the number of reported cases.
Sudan has been experiencing heavy rains for several weeks, leading to the displacement of thousands of people and the emergence of various diseases, especially an increase in diarrhea cases, particularly among children. In Kassala State, which is particularly affected, authorities have called on the international community for "urgent" and "immediate" assistance.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The disease causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, which can lead to death within hours.
From the beginning of the year until July 28, 2024, 307,433 cholera cases and 2,326 deaths were reported across 26 countries, according to the World Health Organization.
