Sudan’s health authorities have raised the alarm as cholera spreads rapidly, especially in areas severely affected by heavy rains and floods.
More than 388 deaths and 13,000 cases have been reported in the last two months, with the epidemic reaching critical levels in 10 out of 18 states, including Kassala, Gedaref, Red Sea, Northern, and Nile River states. These regions are now at high risk and require immediate intervention.
Sonali Korde, assistant director at USAID’s Office of Humanitarian Assistance, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Sudan, noting that 25 million people are facing hunger.
She also pointed out that the real cholera case numbers might be far higher than reported, stating, “The cholera death rate exceeds the normal range.”
Since mid-2024, the cholera epidemic has escalated, with 8,457 cases and 299 deaths reported by mid-September.
The outbreak, declared by Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health in August, comes at a time when the country is grappling with multiple crises, including food insecurity and collapsing healthcare infrastructure.