In a devastating blow to Sudan, a cholera outbreak has gripped the nation, resulting in the death of nearly two dozen people and the infection of hundreds more, according to health authorities. The outbreak has emerged amidst a backdrop of a 16-month long conflict and destructive floods that have further ravaged the country.

Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim disclosed that at least 22 fatalities have been recorded due to cholera, with 354 confirmed cases detected across Sudan in recent weeks. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that as of July 28, Sudan has witnessed a total of 78 cholera-related deaths and over 2,400 cases between January 1 and July 28.

Cholera, a highly contagious and rapidly progressive infection, causes severe dehydration and can lead to death within hours if left untreated. It is primarily transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, further highlighting the urgent need for improved sanitation and access to clean water sources in affected areas.

The outbreak adds to the multitude of challenges faced by Sudan, as the nation struggles with an ongoing conflict that erupted in April last year between the military and a powerful paramilitary group. This internal strife has transformed cities like Khartoum into war zones, exacerbating the already crumbling healthcare infrastructure and forcing many hospitals and medical facilities to shut down.

The 16-month long conflict has claimed countless lives and plunged many into dire conditions, with famine already confirmed in the wrecked northern region of Darfur. Sudan is currently grappling with the world's largest displacement crisis, with over 10.7 million people forced to flee their homes and more than 2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, as reported by the International Organization for Migration.

The conflict has also witnessed widespread atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings, which have been condemned by the United Nations and various human rights organizations as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Adding to the woes, Sudan has recently been hit by devastating floods, causing dozens of casualties and severe damage to critical infrastructure across 12 out of 18 provinces. Local authorities estimate that approximately 118,000 people have been displaced due to the floods, compounding the already dire situation.

Cholera outbreaks are not new to Sudan, with a major incident in 2017 claiming the lives of at least 700 people and infecting around 22,000 individuals within a span of two months.

The World Health Organization is now working closely with Sudanese health authorities and other partners to implement a vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the spread of cholera. The focus is on reaching areas that have been heavily affected, particularly in the eastern province of Kassala, where the outbreak initially originated.

Amidst these challenges, Sudan's military-controlled sovereign council has announced a government delegation that will travel to Cairo for talks with American officials. The meeting aims to address mounting pressure from the United States on the military to participate in ongoing peace negotiations in Switzerland, with the objective of finding a viable solution to the conflict.

As Sudan battles against a cholera outbreak, ongoing conflict, and devastating flooding, urgent action is required from both domestic and international entities to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations and restore stability to the nation.