Sudan: Cholera victims rise amid war and famine

Sudan: Cholera victims rise amid war and famine

In Sudan, where a devastating civil war has been raging for over 18 months, people are battling not only the daily threat of conflict, but also the increasing risk of disease. At least 22 people have died from cholera in recent weeks and more than 350 infected cases have been reported, the Health Ministry reports. The situation is considered serious, especially since the World Health Organization (WHO) warns of an increased risk of infection.

The cholera-like disease, which can cause severe dehydration and quickly become fatal, is transmitted primarily through consumption of contaminated water or food. In a country already at risk of famine, the spread of this highly contagious disease is particularly worrying. The WHO has recorded a total of 78 cholera deaths and 2,400 confirmed cases in Sudan from January to July 2023. These figures illustrate the dramatic health situation in the country.

Health crisis in the civil war zone

The ongoing conflict between the paramilitary RSF militia and the regular armed forces has not only claimed thousands of lives but also severely affected the country's health infrastructure. With each passing week of the civil war, medical care becomes worse and many hospitals are no longer able to provide the help needed. This means that many people are dependent on their own options when they are sick, which can be life-threatening in such a crisis situation.

The cholera pandemic could become more widespread in the coming weeks if extensive containment measures are not taken. Sanitary conditions in many regions of Sudan are poor and access to clean water is severely limited. The dangers posed by cholera are magnified in such an unstable environment. A joint team from WHO and other health organizations is trying to improve the situation, but access to those in need is often hampered by fighting and unrest.

One of the biggest challenges is quickly identifying those affected and ensuring effective treatment. In order to contain the infectious potential, education and access to clean water are of the utmost urgency. Right now, people in many regions of Sudan are on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, and cholera is just one of the majority of threats they have to deal with on a daily basis.

The fight against cholera and the responsibility of the global community

The international community has increasingly focused attention on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Still, there are concerns about resource distribution and the ability of international aid workers to work on the ground. The cycle of violence, humanitarian emergency and disease creates an extremely worrying situation. The WHO and other organizations are calling for medical assistance to be provided quickly and hygienic conditions to be improved.

Given the current cholera outbreaks, the need to find a coordinated global response to support the people of Sudan is clear. Restoring basic medical infrastructure and access to safe water are critical to minimizing the risk of further infectious diseases.

Measures taken so far are not enough to avert the impending misery, and cooperation between international organizations, local governments and humanitarian initiatives is essential to combat the dangers of cholera and other diseases. In a country mired in civil war, the global community must take urgent action to help the people of Sudan.

The current humanitarian crisis in Sudan is not only due to the civil war between the RSF militias and the Sudanese armed forces, but also has deeper political and economic roots. After the fall of President Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, the country was in a complicated transition process. This process has been further complicated by political unrest, economic instability and the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant problem is ongoing inflation, which has risen to over 300%, significantly affecting the population's purchasing power and increasing the basic cost of living.

Civil society structures have also been weakened, leading to a lack of trust in the government and its ability to meet citizens' needs. These factors have increased the risk of violence and unrest and facilitated the spread of diseases such as cholera, as access to clean water and sanitation is severely limited. The UN and various NGOs have offered systematic support, but the security situation and access to affected areas pose major challenges.

Current data and statistics on the spread of cholera

The cholera epidemic currently raging in Sudan is alarming. According to World Health Organization reports, there was a surge in cholera cases from January to July 2023 in the eight affected states of the country. In total, over 2,400 cholera cases were reported, representing a significant increase compared to previous years. As a result of the crisis situation, many people are forced to live in overcrowded and unhygienic living conditions, which promote the spread of infectious diseases. These negative circumstances further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and increase the risk of famine, as farmers in conflict areas often lose their crops or are forced to abandon their fields.

Accessible health services in Sudan

The health infrastructure in Sudan has suffered greatly, especially since the start of the civil war. Many clinics are closed or only partially functional. The availability of medicines and medical equipment is severely limited and many professionals have fled or given up work. The few who are still on site are under immense pressure and often work in unsafe conditions. Corona has also caused important vaccination programs for diseases such as cholera to stall, further complicating the situation.

International organizations such as the UN and aid agencies are trying to provide emergency aid, but the power vacuum and insecurity make the logistical implementation of relief efforts difficult. Therefore, the support and mobilization of the international community is crucial to meeting the humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people.

It is necessary to develop a coherent, overarching approach to both address immediate humanitarian needs and promote the country's sustainable development in order to minimize the impact of such fatal crises in the future.