Cholera outbreak worsens Sudan's humanitarian emergency

A suspected cholera outbreak in Sudan's West Kordofan State is worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The outbreak comes amid a conflict that is currently in its fourth year, and has prompted the United Nations to designate the country as the world's largest humanitarian and displacement crisis.

Health authorities have reported more than 300 suspected cholera cases and 77 deaths in West Kordofan, raising concerns about the spread of the disease as the rainy season begins.

OCHA warned that attacks on critical infrastructure and limited access to clean water could accelerate the transmission of cholera and other water-borne illnesses.

Sudan's Federal Ministry of Health noted that of those infected, 99 patients had recovered, while 32 remain under treatment.

The deteriorating situation prompted an emergency coordination meeting chaired by Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim. 

The meeting brought together government officials and international partners to review response efforts and discuss preparations against other potential health threats, including Ebola.

Officials cited major operational challenges, including difficulties accessing affected communities and delivering essential medicines and medical supplies.

The health minister called for urgent assessments of needs in West Kordofan and directed authorities to strengthen mechanisms for transporting medical supplies to affected areas.

He also urged increased surveillance and preparedness in border states to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Humanitarian partners pledged continued support to Sudan's health authorities in responding to both cholera and potential Ebola threats.

In March, authorities declared an end to a country-wide cholera outbreak involving more than 124,000 cases and 3,500 deaths. 

The Federal Ministry of Health, working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, launched a national strategy in April aimed at reducing cholera infections and cutting cholera-related deaths by 90 percent by 2030.

However, aid agencies warn that ongoing conflict, population displacement, damaged infrastructure, and shortages of medical supplies continue to undermine efforts to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks across the country. 

(With input from wires)