Cholera Outbreak Worsens in Sudan

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Reported cholera cases across Sudan increased by 33.3% from October to November, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

A report from the Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS), an academic research center, citing data from the General Directorate of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control and OCHA, stated on January 2 that the highest number of reported cases were in Al Jazira (11,179), Gedaref (9,745), Kassala (7,364), White Nile (6,646), and River Nile (5,824). Gedaref State saw a 117% increase in cases from October to November, with 5,770 cases reported as of October 28.

The report noted that actual numbers are likely higher due to challenges in data collection, reporting limitations, restricted access, and delays in referring community cases to health facilities.

Additionally, there were no cholera reports from Blue Nile State and the Central, Eastern, and Western Darfur states due to a lack of communication networks. Limited network coverage also affected reporting in eight other states.

The report warned that overcrowded displacement sites and camps lacking adequate water and sanitation facilities put internally displaced persons (IDPs) at particular risk.

It added that cholera has affected all age groups, with over 70% of cases occurring in infants and adults up to 50 years old. While fatalities were recorded across all age groups, individuals aged 70 and above had the highest fatality rate (14.56%), followed closely by those aged 60–69 and 20–29 (12.09%).

The higher mortality rate was attributed to weakened immune systems, pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular or kidney diseases that exacerbate dehydration, and limited access to timely healthcare, which delays treatment. The report found no significant gender-based differences in fatalities.