Cholera outbreak in South Sudan

On October 28, 2024, the South Sudan Ministry of Health declared a cholera outbreak in Renk, Upper Nile State.

The first suspected case was reported on September 28, 2024, when an individual exhibiting cholera-like symptoms was identified at the point of entry in Renk, near the Sudanese border.1 Indeed, neighboring Sudan has been experiencing a cholera outbreak for over a year, with 37,514 cholera cases reported as of November 19, 2024⁽²⁾.

As Renk is the main entry point for displaced persons from Sudan, the initial suspected cases during the outbreak in South Sudan included refugees, returnees, and local communities.

In addition to cross-border transmission, the outbreak in South Sudan is driven by several converging factors including low access to WASH (drinking water, sanitation and hygiene) services, flooding, and population displacement. Approximately 41% of the population has access to at least basic drinking water. Only 16% of the population has access to at least basic sanitation services⁽³⁾.

Furthermore, recent flooding in South Sudan has impacted over one million people, causing many to flee their homes. In Renk, flooding has exacerbated the already fragile sanitation and hygiene services ⁽⁴⁾.

As of November 20, 2024, a total of 550 suspected cholera cases have been reported in South Sudan. The highest caseloads have been reported in Malakal, followed by Renk, and Juba⁽⁵⁾.

Malakal is the capital of Upper Nile State, located approximately 300 km south of Renk. Juba, the capital of South Sudan, is located in the southern part of the country. As cholera cases have already been reported in major cities throughout South Sudan, it is critical to rapidly contain this outbreak to prevent further spread in the country and region.