The cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State is a humanitarian disaster that could have been prevented. 

Development Diaries reports that since 20 February, a total of 2,718 people have been admitted to the Ministry of Health cholera treatment centre at Kosti Teaching Hospital, with 92 lives already lost

We understand that this outbreak is a direct consequence of attacks on critical infrastructure, leaving communities without safe water and forcing them to rely on contaminated sources.

The root of this crisis can be traced to the 16 February attack on the Rabak power plant, reportedly hit by a projectile from the Rapid Support Forces. This attack caused a mass power outage, disrupting water supply systems and leaving thousands without access to clean water.

The result? A surge in cholera cases, overwhelming the already fragile healthcare system. This is not just collateral damage, it is a violation of humanitarian principles.

‘Attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities’, Médecins Sans Frontières’ (MSF) Emergency Coordinator for Sudan, Marta Cazorla, said in a statement.

The destruction of essential services does not just inconvenience people, it kills them. 

The Geneva Conventions explicitly prohibit targeting infrastructure that civilians depend on for survival. It is imperative that warring parties adhere to these international laws and ensure the protection of civilian populations and critical facilities.

Development Diaries calls on the Sudanese government to prioritise the repair of damaged water systems and the provision of emergency water purification systems to prevent further infections.

While the White Nile State Ministry of Health has taken steps such as banning donkey cart water vendors and launching a vaccination campaign, we urge that more robust preventive measures be enforced, including long-term water sanitation programmes and widespread hygiene education.

Photo source: MSF