The cholera outbreak in Sudan reveals an urgent need for better healthcare infrastructure and sanitation measures.
At a Glance
- Cholera outbreak in southern Sudan necessitates postwar reconstruction.
- Nearly half of the population is displaced; only 25% have medical service access.
- United Nations plans to install 9000 new boreholes and repair water pumps.
- COVID-19 pandemic diverted resources, exacerbating the cholera crisis.
Cholera Crisis Engulfs Sudan
Sudan is currently battling a cholera outbreak that has tragically led to at least 22 fatalities. This outbreak commenced in Kassala province and swiftly disseminated to nine localities within five provinces. The health ministry confirmed the rising toll, emphasizing the dire need for solid healthcare infrastructure and sanitation improvements.
The outbreak began in early February in Yei and Juba regions, resulting in nearly 4,906 cholera cases and approximately 89 deaths by the end of the month. By early March, Vibrio cholerae, Inaba serotype, had been confirmed in numerous towns.
“The absolute priority is clean water and sanitation,” said Per Allan Olsson, the Sudan partnership coordinator for the Red Cross. The health infrastructure of South Sudan has been neglected due to decades of conflict, exacerbating the current health crisis.
In #Sudan the #cholera outbreak has spread across nine states affecting over 5,100 people and killing over 160. To date, 2.2M oral cholera vaccines have been given in Gedaref and Aj Jazirah states.
Read more here: https://t.co/vuJmYaQ8M8 pic.twitter.com/ttPFqXhdmB
— UN OCHA Sudan (@UNOCHA_Sudan) December 4, 2023
Measures Being Taken
In response to the outbreak, South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has established a task force on acute watery diarrhea. The United Nations is committed to sinking 9000 new boreholes, providing chlorination equipment, and repairing water pumps to mitigate the spread of cholera.
“The scale of the health crisis is enormous. We are working hard to step up our response, delivering critical medical and other emergency health supplies,” stated Dr. Nima Saeed Abid, WHO Representative in Sudan, during a virtual press conference.
The Red Cross has flagged clean water and sanitation as top priorities. Meanwhile, the World Bank announced that its health system development programme aims to establish and strengthen core health sector systems and capacities in southern Sudan.
Challenges Facing Sudan
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has diverted crucial resources from cholera prevention, worsening the current situation. Political instability, violence, and massive migrations further strain efforts to control cholera, highlighting the complicated dynamics amidst the healthcare crisis.
“Currently, WHO has licensed and prequalified three OCVs, Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol, in response to the cholera outbreak,” further illustrating the multi-faceted approach to combat outbreaks in Africa.
Recommendations for a robust public health response include adopting the WHO cholera roadmap, improving sanitation, promoting hygiene, and conducting mass vaccination campaigns. Sudden and significant outbreaks strain healthcare systems and economies, contributing to poverty and deterring tourism and investments.
Universal access to water and sanitation could potentially eliminate cholera transmission. However, given the current pace of progress and limited financial commitments, these long-term solutions may not become a reality soon.
