Sources from the Ministry of Health in South Kordofan state have revealed an increase in cholera cases across all areas of the state amid a severe shortage of treatment supplies.

The first cholera case was recorded in Kadugli on August 11, while early indicators of the outbreak appeared since February in the Abu Karshola, Al-Abbasia, and Al-Tadamun counties.

Health sources stated, “According to official statistics, the number of cases in the state reached 1,851 by September 27, including 183 deaths, a toll that warns of a humanitarian disaster if urgent intervention is not implemented.”

The outbreak has spread to eight counties, with Kadugli recording the highest number of cases, making it the main center of disease spread.

Sources reported a severe shortage of essential medical supplies such as intravenous fluids, rehydration salts, and cholera treatment drugs according to the approved protocol, while health centers suffer from significant gaps in protective supplies like gloves, masks, protective clothing, as well as hygiene materials and disinfectants.

There is a complete lack of laboratory solutions, blood banks and derivatives, and absence of disease vector pesticides, which exposes preventive efforts to additional risks.

The situation is further complicated by a severe shortage of fuel needed to operate health centers and field vehicles designated for activities, alongside weak budgets allocated to confront the crisis.

Health authorities, supported by the central government, local community, and national and international organizations, have begun implementing a range of health interventions including awareness campaigns through field visits and local radio, water chlorination and purification activities, sanitation, and provision of some health aids such as beds.

Sources confirmed that the best solutions to overcome supply obstacles are to open safe corridors for transporting medicines and aid from Al-Obeid to Deling, or rely on air drops, alongside intervention by United Nations organizations to provide urgent supplies.