Over 10,000 cholera cases detected in war-torn Sudan

ISTANBUL

Amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan, over 10,000 cholera cases have been detected, according to health officials.

Sudan's Health Minister Mohammed Ibrahim said cholera cases have been identified in 12 of the country’s 18 states, adding that the number of cases has reached 10,800.

Ibrahim said a vaccination campaign against cholera was initiated last November and December but that due to security problems in the country, the outbreak could not be contained.

"We hope not to see new cases by this fall," he said.

Due to the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, 70% to 80% of hospitals are unable to operate fully.

Last September, the World Health Organization said that cholera and dengue fever cases were reported in the eastern part of the country.

Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council of Sudan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, since April. The conflict has resulted in the death of 5,000 people and displaced more than 5.2 million, according to UN figures.

Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi Arabian and US mediators have failed to end the violence.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan