Sudan Faces Health Crisis: Cholera Spreads Amid Water and Sanitation Woes

Sudan Faces Health Crisis: Cholera Spreads Amid Water and Sanitation Woes

Sudan faces a deadly cholera outbreak amidst ongoing conflict, with at least 22 lives lost and hundreds more sickened, exposing critical gaps in the nation’s healthcare system.

At a Glance

  • Sudan tops IRC’s 2024 Watchlist for deteriorating humanitarian crises
  • Over 10 million people internally displaced since April 2023
  • Health system on brink of collapse, with over 70% of facilities in conflict areas inoperable
  • 18 million people face severe levels of acute food insecurity
  • Cholera outbreak kills at least 22, with 354 confirmed cases

Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Sudan’s ongoing conflict has plunged the nation into a severe humanitarian crisis, with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) placing it at the top of its 2024 Watchlist for likely deteriorating situations. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has resulted in widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a near-collapse of the healthcare system.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, over 10 million people have been internally displaced, while more than 2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The conflict has claimed at least 15,500 lives, with some estimates reaching as high as 150,000. The economic impact has been severe, with rampant inflation, shortages of essential goods, and nearly half of Sudan’s population unemployed.

Healthcare System in Shambles

The ongoing war has devastated Sudan’s healthcare infrastructure. Over 70% of health facilities in conflict-affected regions are inoperable or closed. The situation is exacerbated by attacks on medical facilities and personnel, with around 60 reported attacks on health facilities and over 200 violations against medical staff, resulting in the death of 38 healthcare workers.

“Days after evacuating the hospital, we were surprised by some patients were returning to it without our knowledge, to get oxygen,” said Elnimer Jibreel the General Director of Al Shaab Hospital, “They stayed there for 48 h until a shell fell directly on the hospital, and we evacuated them again.”

The shortage of healthcare staff, many of whom have fled due to safety concerns, has further compromised the ability to provide essential medical services. This breakdown in the healthcare system has left millions vulnerable to diseases and inadequate medical care.

Cholera Outbreak Adds to the Crisis

Amidst this dire situation, Sudan is now grappling with a cholera outbreak. Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim reported at least 22 deaths and 354 confirmed cholera cases. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) presents an even grimmer picture, reporting 78 cholera deaths and over 2,400 cases from January 1 to July 28.

“An immediate ceasefire is now more critical than ever to prevent mass deaths resulting from a hunger crisis that is rapidly spreading across Sudan,” says IRC country director for Sudan, Eatizaz Yousif.

The cholera outbreak underscores the critical gaps in sanitation and access to clean water, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. With a collapsed healthcare system, controlling the spread of the disease and providing adequate treatment becomes increasingly challenging.

International Response and Path Forward

International organizations like the IRC have scaled up their operations in Sudan, providing essential services including economic empowerment, health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services. The IRC is also supporting Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries, focusing on vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Experts recommend immediate ceasefire, restoration of healthcare services, ensuring a safe working environment for medical personnel, international collaboration, and increased financial support to address the crisis. The “Jeddah Declaration of Commitment” signed on May 11, 2023, by both sides of the conflict, committed to protecting civilians and ensuring safe passage for humanitarian assistance, but implementation remains a challenge.

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