A surge in cholera cases has led to the closure of schools in Kosti, White Nile State, as health authorities work to contain the outbreak. More than 400 infections and 13 deaths have been reported, prompting urgent calls for medical support.
The acting Minister of Education for White Nile State, Al-Tayeb Ali Issa, announced a week-long suspension of all schools and kindergartens due to rising cases of acute watery diarrhea. Officials will reassess the situation to determine whether to extend the closure.
Health Minister Al-Zein Adam Saad confirmed the outbreak’s escalation, noting that emergency measures are underway, including treatment provisions and an oral vaccination campaign starting Friday. He refuted claims of mass fatalities at Kosti Hospital but acknowledged the rising number of cases.
A medical report indicated that Kosti Hospital received over 600 patients with acute watery diarrhea within 48 hours, most of whom were confirmed to have cholera. Rabak Hospital has also recorded 47 confirmed cases and nine deaths.
The deteriorating health crisis is further compounded by widespread hospital closures due to ongoing conflict. Many health facilities are non-operational, while those still functioning face severe shortages of medical supplies and intravenous fluids.
Officials attribute the cholera outbreak to contaminated water, following the disruption of key water stations in the region. Damage to the Um Dabaker transformer station after an RSF attack on February 16 led to power outages, affecting water supply infrastructure and worsening the situation.
Medical professionals and humanitarian groups are urging immediate intervention from international organizations to curb the spread of the disease and prevent further fatalities.