The Sudanese health ministry announced on Tuesday that cholera cases in the country have surged to nearly 14,000, with an additional rise in malaria infections, particularly in the capital, Khartoum.
The cholera outbreak began on August 12, following severe flooding and prolonged rains. Stagnant water has raised concerns as it provides a breeding ground for disease vectors.
The health ministry’s emergency operations center reported 282 new cholera cases.
Kassala saw 95 cases, 72 were reported in River Nile state, 57 in Gedaref, 19 in Red Sea state, and 11 in Sennar.
Six new cholera-related deaths were recorded: four in Kassala and one each in River Nile and Sennar.
In total, Sudan has reported 13,922 cholera cases with 433 fatalities.
Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim has called for increased efforts to combat the outbreak in affected states.
Additionally, malaria cases have increased in recent weeks, particularly in Khartoum.
The center also reported 12 new dengue fever cases in eight locations across four states, bringing the total to 314.
Sudan’s health system is overwhelmed by multiple epidemics, including cholera and dengue fever, and the effects of war, with 80% of healthcare facilities in conflict zones and 45% of others across the country out of service.
In River Nile state, northern Sudan, 121 new cholera cases were reported, bringing the total to 3,811 with 91 deaths.
The Northern state also recorded 462 cholera cases, including 19 deaths, with most cases concentrated in the Al-Dabbah area.
To curb the spread, local authorities in Al-Dabbah have closed markets, food outlets, and suspended schools as of Monday.