24-05-2025
Khartoum cholera outbreak due to environmental degradation, minister
There are over 600 confirmed cases of cholera per week during the past four weeks, the health minister said, adding that this increase was expected because of prevailing poor environmental conditions.
Khartoum: Altaghyeer
Sudanese Minister for Health, Haytham Mohamed Ibrahim, has attributed the cholera outbreak in Khartoum state to environmental degradation following the army recapture of areas and the return of residents, particularly in Jebel Awlia and Salha quarters south and west of Khartoum respectively, with acute lack of clean drinking water and poor environmental conditions.
The minister said in press statements on Saturday between 600 to 700 cholera cases were being confirmed weekly over the past couple of weeks, adding that this increase was expected given the spreading of poor environmental conditions.
The minister praised the efforts exerted by Khartoum State government in collaboration with UN agencies and international organizations, resulting in the establishment of at least 8 cholera treatment centres and boosted disease control efforts.
Cholera resurgence has also been reported in six other states including al-Gezira, central Sudan, where localities like al-Haj Abdullah took the drastic precautionary measure of closing down schools and markets places, according to news reports.
Al-Taj Abdel Rahman, working at the city's main hospital, revealed that 46 cases and 6 deaths were reported over the past six days.
The Health Minister has, however, stressed that the health situation was fully under continuous monitoring by the Federal Ministry of Health's Emergency Room, which works around the clock to implement the required measures.
He confirmed that the upcoming cholera vaccination campaign will contribute to reducing the number of cases.
The two year old war, between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has led to a catastrophic collapse of medical services coupled with the spread of diseases and threat of famine.
