Sudan faces worst cholera outbreak in years as war devastates infrastructure

An estimated 80% of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are no longer functioning. Doctors and nurses at facilities like Al Jazeera East Hospital in Al Bashraga, Al Jazeera State, are working to treat cholera patients, providing oral rehydration solutions and intravenous fluids to the most severe cases.

For health workers, the outbreak has added yet another burden to an already overwhelmed system. “The number of people with watery diarrhoea definitely has an impact on the centre's staff in terms of pressure, but we are working hard to raise the level of efficiency and increase the centre's capacity to accommodate patients,” said Abbas Mubarak, deputy Director of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control in Gedaref State.

For patients like Mutasim Azhari, a local resident hospitalized with severe dehydration and stomach pain, the experience has been frightening. “I was admitted with my brother to a cholera treatment centre. They did everything they could to cure me. It was the first time I had contracted cholera. I knew what it was, so I was very afraid,” he said.

The ICRC is focusing its emergency response on the states of Khartoum, Gedaref, North Darfur, East Darfur and Sennar, where the combination of cholera and malnutrition is most severe. To date, ICRC support to health centres and rapid response teams has enabled the treatment of almost 18,000 patients and strengthened early detection of new cases.

In North Darfur, for example, the ICRC has provided critical assistance to around 82,000 displaced people in Tawila, in collaboration with the Sudanese Red Crescent and local health authorities. This support includes distributing hygiene kits, improving access to safe drinking water, running awareness campaigns, and conducting fumigation activities to prevent the spread of disease.

“The situation remains urgent. The rainy season is under way and the risk of new cases is high. So quick action and coordination are essential,” Pozo added.

The ICRC reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and essential infrastructure. Clean water, healthcare facilities and electricity systems are vital for the survival and well-being of the civilian population.