Malnourished children receive treatment at the Leer Hospital, South Sudan. (Photo by Nichole Sobecki / AFP) (Photo by NICHOLE SOBECKI/AFP via Getty Images)
KHARTOUM, (EPICSTORIAN ) – A cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State has left 92 dead in two weeks as medical facilities struggle to handle the surge in patients.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported thousands of infections, warning that worsening conditions are pushing hospitals beyond capacity.
More than 2,718 cholera cases were recorded between February 20 and March 5 at Kosti Teaching Hospital, a treatment center run by the Ministry of Health with MSF support.
The influx of critically ill patients has overwhelmed available space, forcing many to receive care on the floor, according to MSF.
Cholera Outbreak and Water Crisis
Contaminated water has fueled the outbreak, with many communities relying on untreated sources after a power outage at the Um-Dabakir Power Station on February 16.
MSF linked the blackout to an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which left water pumps inoperable and forced residents to depend on deliveries from donkey carts.
The loss of clean water created conditions for the disease to spread rapidly.
MSF emergency coordinator Marta Cazorla urged all parties in the conflict to protect civilians and essential infrastructure. “Attacks on public services have devastating effects on vulnerable communities,” she said.
Rising Death Toll Amid Limited Resources
Since July 2024, Sudan has recorded 57,135 cholera cases and 1,506 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. Hospitals already struggling with shortages of medicine and medical staff now face mounting pressure as new patients arrive daily.
White Nile State has seen intensified RSF assaults in recent months. A February 18 government report confirmed 433 civilian deaths in attacks on villages near Al-Gitaina, further destabilizing the region and cutting off access to humanitarian aid.
War and Displacement Fuel Health Crisis
More than 15 million people have been displaced since conflict erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF.
Crowded displacement camps lacking clean water and sanitation have become high-risk areas for cholera transmission.
Ongoing violence and logistical challenges continue to hinder efforts to deliver medical aid. Humanitarian groups emphasize that restoring access to clean water and proper sanitation remains critical in controlling the outbreak.
Medical Teams Struggle to Contain the Outbreak
MSF and other organizations have deployed medical teams to affected areas, but overcrowded hospitals and supply shortages make treatment increasingly difficult. Aid workers warn that without immediate intervention, the epidemic will worsen.
Cazorla called for unimpeded access to affected communities, stating, “Humanitarian efforts must not be obstructed. Medical aid is critical in preventing further loss of life.”
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Medical workers continue to treat patients under challenging conditions, urging urgent action to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.
