Cholera, which is caused by contaminated water or food, was already widespread in Sudan during the rainy season before the outbreak of war in April 2023 involving opposing generals.
However, more than 16 months of conflict have resulted in most hospitals being shut down, leaving the country’s 48 million population struggling to contain the sometimes fatal yet treatable disease.
Sudanese authorities and the United Nations have noted a significant increase in cholera cases following several weeks of heavy rains that have affected parts of Sudan and displaced thousands.
The heavy rains and flooding have contributed to a resurgence of this mainly waterborne disease, which can result in severe dehydration and lead to death within hours if not properly treated.
The health ministry announced an epidemic on Monday, reporting 556 cases of cholera, including 27 deaths, with most occurring in Kassala state where Wad al-Hulaywah is situated.
The neighbouring state of Gedaref has also been severely impacted, as per the ministry’s report.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that Sudan has recorded at least 11,327 cholera cases, with 316 fatalities, since June 2023.
Sudan’s Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim said “climatic conditions and water contamination” led to the epidemic.
In Wad al-Hulaywah alone, “we’ve counted 150 cases so far, among them seven dead” since late July, local health official Adam Ali told AFP.
The UN had mentioned before the onset of the conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces that approximately 40% of the population in Sudan lacked access to clean water. The situation has deteriorated further since then.
“Our problem is drinking water,” said Ali.
“Most residents of Wad al-Hulaywah drink water directly from the river — polluted water”, he said.
According to the health official, during the rainy season, large volumes of silt are washed into the Setit River, which originates in neighbouring Ethiopia, leading to heightened pollution levels.
Access to clean water has become increasingly difficult throughout the country, particularly in regions controlled by the army or the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, competing for dominance in Sudan.
The paramilitaries have laid siege to various areas, blocking the delivery of fuel needed to pump clean water. Meanwhile, bureaucratic obstacles and ongoing conflict have disrupted aid operations, leaving vital water stations out of service.
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, displaced more than 10 million people, and closed over 70% of Sudan’s healthcare facilities, according to the UN.
Both factions have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and obstructing humanitarian aid.
With Sudan facing what the UN has described as “one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent memory” and aid groups unable to provide support, many people are left to fend for themselves.