Proactive Cholera Preparedness Across North and South Darfur

Date: June 2, 2025

Location: El Fasher & Nyala – Darfur Region, Sudan

Prepared by: Field Reporting Unit – Ministry of Health

Part I: North Darfur Proactive Preparedness Measures

In response to instructions from the Governor of North Darfur, the Ministry of Health held a high-level coordination meeting to discuss and enhance early preparedness measures for cholera prevention, particularly as confirmed cases have emerged in neighboring states, including Nyala, El Geneina, and Ed Daein, as well as in some localities within North Darfur.

Meeting Summary

Chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Abdullah Khater, Director General of the Ministry of Health, the meeting included directors of various specialized departments. The team reviewed a comprehensive response plan to prevent and manage any potential cholera outbreak. No official cholera cases have been recorded in North Darfur as of the report date.

Key Preparedness Pillars

– Health Education & Community Awareness: Campaigns to promote personal and community hygiene, and safe practices for water and food use.
– Food and Water Safety: Monitoring of drinking water sources, food handling, and communal meal preparation areas (tekayas).
– Public Health & Sanitation: Waste management improvements, particularly in displacement shelters and vulnerable communities.
– Surveillance & Isolation: Activation of early detection teams and readiness of isolation units with essential supplies.

Challenges

The meeting acknowledged the severe impact of the ongoing siege on El Fasher City, leading to:
– Critical shortages of medicines, IV fluids, and other medical supplies.
– Logistical difficulties in supply chain and service delivery.
– Strained capacity in frontline health facilities.

Public Advisory

The public, especially in El Fasher and displacement shelters, is advised to:
– Use chlorinated or boiled water.
– Avoid open defecation.
– Wash hands with soap or, where unavailable, use ash or clean soil.
– Ensure safe food preparation and storage practices.

Part II: South Darfur – Cholera Outbreak Update

The Daily Cholera Report released by the General Directorate of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control in South Darfur has confirmed the registration of 4 new cholera cases on Monday, bringing the total to 72 infections since the first cases were recorded on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The death toll stands at 4.

Current Case Distribution

– 64 cases in Nyala North
– 4 cases in Nyala South
– 1 case in Netiqa
– 1 case in Bileil
– 1 imported case from Khartoum State

Nine patients have successfully recovered and were discharged from the isolation center.

Response Measures

The Ministry of Health and its partners are undertaking several efforts to contain the outbreak:
– Chlorination of drinking water sources
– Community health education
– Provision of medical services to affected individuals

Conclusion & Recommendations

– Intensify inter-state coordination and information sharing across Darfur.
– Scale up logistical support to North Darfur amidst siege conditions.
– Expand cholera awareness and hygiene promotion efforts in vulnerable communities.
– Maintain strict surveillance and respond rapidly to affected and neighboring areas.