The Sudanese Ministry of Health has announced the detection of 189 cholera cases among Sudanese refugees returning from South Sudan across three states.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, the White Nile, Blue Nile, and Sennar states have reported more than 189 cholera cases among returnees from South Sudan as of last Saturday.
The statement noted that the Blue Nile region has seen a rise in cholera cases within the returnee shelter centers, while Sennar State has recorded the highest number of infections, making it the most affected.
Montasir Mohamed Osman, Director of Emergency Health and Epidemic Control at the Ministry of Health, stated that emergency response rooms have been activated in White Nile, Sennar, and Blue Nile, with the ministry closely monitoring the epidemiological situation.
He added that intravenous fluids have been supplied to the affected states in anticipation of increased case influx from South Sudan into the Blue Nile region. Rapid response teams and daily reporting systems have also been activated.
Osman noted that White Nile State is coordinating with authorities in South Sudan, particularly at the Joda border crossing, where an isolation center has been established to monitor arrivals and refer suspected cases to Joda Hospital.
He explained that the coordination with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health includes monitoring and treating suspected cases, with over 70 cholera patients having been hospitalized and treated so far.
The Sudanese government had previously succeeded in containing cholera outbreaks in Khartoum, Gezira, and Sennar states through intensive interventions. Meanwhile, the United Nations has provided over 3 million vaccine doses and other medical supplies to support cholera prevention efforts.
Between early April and June 22, around 67,000 Sudanese have returned to the Blue Nile region from South Sudan due to insecurity, lack of services, and halted aid operations. During the same period, 45,000 people from South Sudan sought refuge in White Nile State, which currently hosts over 412,000 refugees.
