A fast-spreading cholera outbreak is threatening the lives of thousands of Sudanese refugees in Chad, compounding an already dire humanitarian emergency caused by Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict. The United Nations issued a warning on Friday, urging immediate international action to prevent further loss of life.
In the Iridimi refugee camp, located in Eastern Chad near the Sudanese border, access to clean water and sanitation is critically limited. These conditions have created a fertile environment for cholera—a water-borne disease that the World Health Organization (WHO) describes as highly contagious and potentially fatal within hours if left untreated. Transmitted through contaminated food or water, cholera causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, and can spread rapidly in overcrowded, resource-scarce settings.
Dr. Ilham Nour, WHO Senior Emergency Officer, confirmed that over 100,000 cholera cases have been recorded across the region since July 2024. In Iridimi alone, 264 cases have been reported, with 12 confirmed deaths. “This is a fast-developing situation,” Dr. Nour said. “Without urgent intervention, the toll could rise dramatically.”
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has responded by suspending the relocation of refugees from border points to prevent further transmission. Dossou Patrice Ahouansou, UNHCR Principal Situation Coordinator for Eastern Chad, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “If urgent action is not taken, up to 230,000 refugees could be at risk. We are working around the clock to contain the outbreak and protect lives.”
This health emergency is unfolding against the backdrop of Sudan’s devastating civil war, which erupted in April 2023 following a violent power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). What began as street battles in Khartoum quickly escalated into a nationwide conflict, engulfing cities and rural areas alike. The war has claimed at least 20,000 lives—though the actual number is believed to be far higher—and displaced more than 14 million people, many of whom have fled to neighboring countries like Chad.
Sudan is now facing what the United Nations has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Disease outbreaks, famine, and widespread atrocities have compounded the suffering of civilians, particularly women and children. The cholera outbreak in Chad is a stark reminder of the cascading effects of war—where displacement, poverty, and lack of infrastructure create conditions ripe for further tragedy.
Despite the challenges, humanitarian organizations, African governments, and local communities are mobilizing to respond. Medical teams are working to contain the outbreak, distribute clean water, and educate refugees on hygiene practices. The situation remains fragile, but with coordinated support and swift action, lives can be saved and further catastrophe averted.
As Sudan enters its third year of war, the crisis demands not only emergency aid but long-term solutions that address the root causes of displacement and instability. The resilience of the Sudanese people and the solidarity shown by neighboring nations offer hope—but that hope must be matched by sustained global commitment.