Cholera cases in Sudan climb to 10,000, with 285 deaths reported

February 3, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese Ministry of Health reported a rise in cholera cases, exceeding 10,000 with 284 deaths nationwide as of January 29th, 2024.

The outbreak began in Gedaref and Khartoum states last September, rapidly spreading to Al-Jazirah, White Nile, Red Sea, and Kassala. In January, it reached the River Nile and Northern states.

Red Sea State bears the brunt of the outbreak, with 3,561 cases and 125 deaths. Gedaref follows with 2,097 cases and 50 deaths, while Al-Jazirah records 1,861 cases and 26 deaths.

Other affected states include White Nile (1,642 cases, 33 deaths), Khartoum (587 cases, 28 deaths), Kassala (139 cases, 13 deaths), Sennar (129 cases, 5 deaths), Nile River (62 cases, 2 deaths), North River (13 cases, 2 deaths), and Blue Nile (3 cases, 0 deaths).

Sudan launched a second vaccination campaign against cholera in Khartoum last December, targeting high-risk areas. This follows the first campaign in Gedaref and Gezira states last November, utilizing 2.2 million doses provided by the Global Mechanism for the Elimination of Cholera.

(ST)