Khartoum, Sudan – The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding a new wave of cholera outbreaks sweeping across Sudan. This comes as the nation grapples with escalating health and humanitarian crises fueled by the ongoing conflict.
According to UN officials, the spread of disease is significantly exacerbating the already dire living conditions for Sudanese citizens. The situation demands immediate and coordinated action.
Antoine Gerard, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the UN in Sudan, stated that the country has been battling a resurgence of cholera for the past two months, affecting several regions, including Darfur. He emphasized that UNICEF and the World Health Organization are working in collaboration with local partners to combat the epidemic and limit its spread. These efforts are hampered by deteriorating health conditions and a severe shortage of essential services.
Gerard further stressed that the proliferation of diseases is adding to the suffering of a population already reeling from the impacts of conflict and violence. The United Nations is reportedly intensifying its efforts to safeguard civilians and prevent attacks against them, acknowledging the lack of adequate protection in many affected areas.
The humanitarian situation requires urgent intervention from all relevant actors to ensure the delivery of medical and preventative aid to people in afflicted regions. The UN also highlighted the need for a comprehensive political solution to address the root causes of the conflict and end the suffering of civilians.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has led to the near-total collapse of infrastructure and basic services. Hospitals have ceased operations, and access to water and electricity has been disrupted, creating a fertile ground for the spread of infectious diseases, particularly cholera, in the absence of a functional healthcare system capable of responding to the crisis.
