Sudan is currently facing its worst cholera outbreak in years, with thousands of suspected cases and a rising death toll. The crisis is driven by ongoing conflict, displacement, and poor sanitation conditions. Many are asking: How severe is this outbreak, and what’s being done to stop it? Below, we answer the most common questions about this urgent health crisis.
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How many people are affected by the cholera outbreak in Sudan?
Since July 2024, over 99,700 suspected cholera cases and approximately 2,470 deaths have been reported across Sudan. The outbreak is concentrated in regions like Darfur and Kordofan, where sanitation is poor and access to clean water is limited.
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What’s causing the surge in cholera cases?
The rise in cholera cases is mainly due to ongoing conflict, heavy rains, and displacement. These factors have damaged infrastructure, contaminated water sources, and created unsanitary living conditions, all of which facilitate the spread of cholera.
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What efforts are being made to control the outbreak?
Humanitarian organizations are conducting vaccination campaigns, distributing clean water, and setting up treatment centers. Despite these efforts, fighting and limited access to affected areas make it difficult to contain the outbreak fully.
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How does ongoing conflict worsen health crises in Sudan?
The civil war and fighting between military groups have destroyed infrastructure, displaced millions, and hindered aid delivery. This chaos worsens health crises by limiting access to medical care, clean water, and sanitation, making disease outbreaks like cholera more deadly.
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Why is sanitation so poor in Sudan right now?
Years of conflict, infrastructure damage, and heavy rains have compromised sanitation systems. Many communities lack access to clean water and proper waste disposal, creating ideal conditions for cholera and other waterborne diseases to spread.
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What can people do to protect themselves from cholera?
People are advised to drink clean, boiled, or treated water, practice good hygiene, and seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear. Vaccination campaigns are also underway to help prevent the spread of cholera.