The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning about the potential consequences of a new wave of cholera outbreaks in Sudan.
Factors such as floods, water pollution, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and local communities have contributed to this growing health crisis.
During a press conference in Geneva, Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Sudan, reported that within a month of the first suspected cases being identified, 658 cases of cholera infection and 28 deaths have been recorded across five states, with the death rate increasing by 4.3 percent.
Kassala state has recorded the highest number of cases, with 473 infections, followed by Al Qadarif with 110 cases, and Gezira with 51 cases. Smaller numbers have been reported in Khartoum and the Nile River states.
Dr. Sahbani clarified that these cases are not connected to the previous cholera outbreak declared in September 2023, which officially ended in May 2024.
He emphasised that the WHO is collaborating closely with federal and state health ministries to coordinate the response to the outbreak, including prepositioning cholera kits and essential medical supplies in high-risk areas, particularly in light of the ongoing rainy season.
