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First famine, now cholera and dengue fever surge hits war-torn Sudan


The situation in Sudan is dire, with a convergence of severe crises exacerbating the country’s humanitarian challenges. The ongoing war has not only devastated towns and cities but has also led to the collapse of the healthcare system. This collapse comes at a time when the country is facing surges in cholera and dengue fever, compounded by extreme hunger levels that surpass the famine threshold.



According to African Press Organization,the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported over 28,000 cases of cholera and 836 deaths across 11 states from July to late October. The cholera outbreak has been worsened by heavy rains that led to flooding and contaminated water sources, with Kassala being the hardest-hit state. Dengue fever cases have also increased, particularly in Kassala and Khartoum.



Efforts to combat these outbreaks include a vaccination campaign targeting 1.4 million people in the most affected areas. However, these health crises are occurring alongside severe food insecurity issues, especially in regions like El Fasher, North Darfur, where conflict has disrupted the delivery of essential supplies. The situation in Zamzam camp is particularly alarming, with famine conditions confirmed and humanitarian aid severely restricted.



The healthcare system’s collapse is a significant concern, with up to 80% of health facilities in conflict zones being non-functional. This has impeded vaccination programs and increased the risk of large-scale disease outbreaks. Additionally, there have been numerous violent attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel, further destabilizing the situation.



Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations continue to scale up their response efforts, reaching millions of people in need. However, the ongoing conflict and logistical barriers continue to hinder the delivery of much-needed aid and medical supplies.