Cholera Outbreak Threatens Over a Million Children in Sudan Amid Bloody Conflict

nairobi - Various organizations raise concerns over a cholera epidemic in Sudan, potentially affecting more than a million children amidst ongoing conflict. Infrastructural issues exacerbate the crisis, urging international intervention.

Cholera Outbreak Puts Children at Risk in Sudan

Amid the persisting conflict in Sudan since April 2023, a new threat emerges with a cholera epidemic, posing a severe risk to children's lives. The outbreak, caused by contaminated water sources, has already claimed hundreds of lives.

Escalating Crisis in Khartoum

Reports from UNICEF indicate over 7700 cholera cases, including 1000 children under five, and 185 fatalities in Khartoum since January. The disruption of water supply due to attacks on power plants is cited as a primary cause.

Challenges in Containing the Epidemic

The Sudanese Doctors Union warns of a critical situation with 2700 new infections and 172 deaths within a week, attributing the inability to combat the outbreak effectively to war and crumbling infrastructure.

Call for International Aid and Ceasefire

Refugees International labels Sudan as the world's most significant humanitarian crisis, urging immediate international action to establish safe passages for aid and people, as well as implement a ceasefire.

Dependency on Arms Supply

Analysts highlight the dependency of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and government army on weapon supplies from the United Arab Emirates, suggesting a halt in support could lead to conflict resolution and better management of the cholera epidemic.