Sudan is facing a deadly cholera epidemic that has claimed the lives of nearly two dozen people and sickened hundreds more, according to Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim. The outbreak has been attributed to contaminated drinking water and poor weather conditions. The World Health Organization has reported over 11,000 cases of cholera in the country, with children under five being particularly at risk.
The cholera outbreak comes amidst devastating floods that have displaced over 100,000 people and destroyed critical infrastructure in Sudan. The region is also grappling with a civil war that has killed thousands and displaced over 10.7 million, leading to widespread starvation and a dire humanitarian crisis. Efforts are underway to broker a ceasefire agreement and bring an end to the conflict, with talks currently ongoing in Switzerland.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Sudanese military-controlled sovereign council has announced plans to send a government delegation to meet with US officials in Cairo, as pressure mounts for the military to engage in ceasefire negotiations. The United States, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations are all involved in efforts to facilitate peace talks and address the urgent humanitarian needs in Sudan.
The country’s healthcare system has been severely affected by the conflict, with many hospitals and medical facilities forced to close their doors. The cholera epidemic is just the latest tragedy in a series of crises facing Sudan, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated international response to address the ongoing humanitarian emergency in the country.
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