ALBAWABA - After recording 22 new deaths, the Health Ministry in Sudan officially declared Cholera an epidemic, with 354 cases confirmed across the country.
Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim stated that the deaths have been officially recorded following a rapid spread of the bacterial disease across Sudan, as the country continues to suffer through 16 months of brutal war.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 78 deaths were reportedly confirmed between the dates of January 1st and July 28th, 2024.
Seasonal floods in recent weeks have aggravated the situation, washing away vital infrastructure in 12 of Sudan's 18 regions, making access to clean water impossible for many people.
Ibrahim stated that the epidemic was "caused by weather conditions and contaminated drinking water". Cholera is a highly contagious infection transmitted through ingesting contaminated food or water and can kill within hours without treatment.
Earlier this week, the health ministry reported an increase in conjunctivitis cases throughout half of the nation, as well as a cholera epidemic in three districts, as the rainy season exacerbates an already dire health situation.
Conjunctivitis cases have grown to 2,689 throughout nine states, mostly impacting displaced people in White Nile, Northern, and North Kordofan.
Flooding and severe rains have impacted over 26,000 people, killing 38 and injuring 265. Over 6,000 homes have been completely destroyed, with over 10,000 damaged.
The ongoing conflict has badly disrupted healthcare services, leaving many people vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The health ministry is working to deliver chlorine and implement sanitary procedures, but problems remain.
