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March 8, 2025
White Nile State, Sudan – Nearly 100 people have died from cholera in less than a month as the waterborne disease continues to spread in Sudan’s White Nile State, according to international medical aid group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. The organization reported Thursday that 2,700 people have contracted cholera since February 20, with 92 confirmed deaths.
The outbreak emerges against the backdrop of a devastating civil conflict that has raged for nearly two years, pitting the Sudanese army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The White Nile State has been at the center of intense violence, with RSF offensives last month resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including infants. The Sudanese military has responded by launching counteroffensives, cutting key supply routes to the RSF.
According to MSF, the latest cholera surge began on February 16 when an RSF-fired projectile struck the Rabak power plant, leading to widespread blackouts. The power outage severely impacted water supply infrastructure, forcing local residents to rely on water transported by donkey carts, which health officials say contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.
“Attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities,” said Marta Cazorla, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan.
Between February 20 and 24, the outbreak reached a critical peak as large numbers of cholera patients overwhelmed Kosti Teaching Hospital. Many were admitted with severe dehydration. In response, MSF provided 25 tons of essential medical supplies, including beds and tents, to support the hospital’s efforts.
The White Nile State Health Ministry has taken measures to curb the outbreak, including providing access to clean water and banning donkey carts from transporting water. A cholera vaccination campaign was also launched at the start of the outbreak.
The Sudanese health ministry reported on Tuesday that there have been 57,135 cholera cases across 12 of the country’s 18 states since the outbreak was officially declared on August 12, 2024. The disease has claimed 1,506 lives so far.
The ongoing war in Sudan has exacerbated the health crisis, with at least 20,000 people killed and over 14 million displaced. The conflict has driven parts of the country into famine and increased vulnerability to disease outbreaks, further worsening the humanitarian situation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from Médecins Sans Frontières and the Sudanese health ministry. Due to the ongoing conflict, obtaining independent verification of casualty figures and outbreak statistics remains challenging.
