The World Health Organization has announced a dire update from Sudan, where the ongoing civil war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has resulted in over 300 deaths from cholera, with the disease spreading rapidly due to a breakdown in sanitation and infrastructure. As of August 16, 2024, WHO reports indicate that 11,327 cases of cholera have been confirmed, with a fatality rate reaching levels not seen in over a decade. The outbreak has been particularly deadly, with cholera's rapid onset of severe symptoms leading to high mortality rates.
The cholera outbreak in Sudan is a direct consequence of the country’s deteriorating conditions, where access to clean water and sanitation has become increasingly scarce. Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated food and water. The lack of basic hygiene facilities and safe drinking water has significantly contributed to the spread of the disease. Children under five are at heightened risk, as the disease can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if left untreated.
In addition to cholera, Sudan is also grappling with rising cases of dengue fever and meningitis. The surge in these diseases compounds the already grave public health situation. Dengue, transmitted by mosquitoes, has been exacerbated by the displacement of populations and inadequate vector control. Meningitis outbreaks further strain the country’s health resources, which are already stretched thin due to the ongoing conflict.
The civil war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army, led by de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Mohamed “Hemedti” Hamdan Daglo, has forced over 25 million people into acute hunger and exposed them to disease outbreaks. The conflict has displaced more than half of Sudan’s population, both within the country and across its borders. Refugees have sought asylum in neighboring countries, including Chad, the Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, further straining regional resources.
The humanitarian situation is compounded by additional crises such as recent floods in Nile State and Kassala, which have displaced thousands more and exacerbated food and water shortages. The floods have inundated areas already suffering from conflict-related displacement, worsening living conditions for the affected populations.
International efforts are underway to address the crisis. The United States, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations are facilitating ceasefire talks aimed at reducing hostilities and improving humanitarian access. These talks, held in Switzerland, include negotiations between the Sudanese army and RSF, along with experts and civil society representatives, in an attempt to forge a path towards peace and provide much-needed aid.
Despite these efforts, the scale of the humanitarian disaster presents significant challenges. The inability to deliver adequate aid due to ongoing violence and logistical hurdles exacerbates the suffering of millions. The international community continues to call for increased support and coordinated action to address the urgent needs of the Sudanese population amid this complex and evolving crisis.
