Kadugli, September 29 (Darfur24)
Health authorities in South Kordofan have sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in cholera infections across the state amid a severe shortage of essential medical and protective supplies.
Sources at the Ministry of Health told Darfur 24 on Sunday that the total number of reported cholera cases had reached 1,851, including 183 deaths as of September 27 — a figure they warned could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe if urgent action is not taken.
The first confirmed cholera case in the state was reported in Kadugli on August 11. However, early signs of the outbreak appeared as far back as February in Abu Karshola, Abbasiya, and Tadamon. The disease has since spread to eight governorates, with Kadugli emerging as the epicenter.
Health facilities are grappling with a critical shortage of intravenous fluids, rehydration salts, and essential medications used in cholera treatment. There are also major gaps in protective gear, including gloves, masks, and disinfectants, leaving health workers vulnerable.
In response, health authorities supported by the central government, local communities, and national and international organizations have launched emergency interventions. These include awareness campaigns, water chlorination and purification, disinfection of public spaces, and the supply of additional medical equipment and beds.
Sources stressed that opening safe corridors to transport medical aid from El Obeid to Deling or relying on airlifts would be the most effective solutions to overcome supply constraints. They also urged urgent UN intervention to deliver life-saving supplies and strengthen cholera response efforts.