CAIRO — Recent reports indicate that a cholera outbreak in the southern Sudanese city of Kosti has resulted in the deaths of nearly 60 individuals and affected approximately 1,300 others over the span of just three days, as communicated by health authorities on Saturday.
The outbreak in Kosti, located 420 kilometers (approximately 261 miles) south of Khartoum, is mainly attributed to contaminated water supplies, which were disrupted due to an attack by a known paramilitary group. This group has been engaged in a longstanding conflict with the country’s military for around two years, exacerbating the situation further.
According to the health ministry, from Thursday to Saturday, cholera claimed the lives of 58 people and sickened 1,293 individuals. To combat the outbreak, health officials have initiated several countermeasures, including a cholera vaccination campaign within the city. Kosti is situated on the west bank of the White Nile River, directly across from Rabak, the capital of White Nile province.
Collaborating with the United Nations and various international medical organizations, the ministry has increased the capacity of isolation centers in response to the outbreak. Doctors Without Borders noted that their cholera treatment facility at the local hospital had become overwhelmed. This situation has necessitated the use of emergency room spaces in both adult and pediatric wards to accommodate the influx of patients requiring immediate care.
Dr. Francis Layoo Ocan, the medical coordinator for the group in Kosti, expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating conditions, stating, “The situation is really alarming and is about to get out of control. We’ve run out of space, and we are now admitting patients in an open area and treating them on the floor because there are not enough beds.”
The White Nile River is suspected to be a primary source of the infection in Kosti, especially since many families have been relying on it for water following a significant power outage in the region. In response, local authorities have prohibited residents from collecting water from the river and have intensified chlorination efforts in the water distribution system.
It is noteworthy that last year, between July and October, cholera claimed more than 600 lives and infected over 21,000 people in Sudan, predominantly in the eastern regions, which were shelters for numerous displaced individuals due to ongoing conflict. A previous significant outbreak in 2017 resulted in at least 700 deaths and around 22,000 cases within a mere two months.
Cholera is recognized as a highly contagious disease that can lead to severe dehydration and is often fatal if left untreated. The World Health Organization has noted that cholera is transmitted through the intake of food or water contaminated with the bacteria.
Sudan has been engulfed in turmoil since April of last year, when escalating tensions between the military and the powerful Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group erupted into widespread violence throughout the country. The fighting has devastated urban areas, including Khartoum, and has been characterized by severe human rights violations, including mass rape and targeted killings. These actions have been deemed as war crimes and crimes against humanity by both the United Nations and various international human rights organizations.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of over 24,000 individuals and has displaced more than 14 million people, which constitutes roughly 30% of the nation’s population. It is estimated that around 3.2 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries seeking safety and stability.
