Cholera epidemic spreads in Sudanese refugee camps in Chad
N'Djamena, Chad (PANA) - Cholera, which is raging in Sudan, is spreading to Chad. As large numbers of Sudanese from the Darfur region cross the border daily to seek refuge in eastern Chad, refugee camps are being affected.
"Since the first case of cholera was reported on July 13, 2025, in the Dougui refugee camp in Chokoyane district (Ouaddaï province), the epidemic has spread to other refugee sites and host communities in 23 health zones in the six health districts of Chokoyane, Hadjer Hadid, Adré, Farchana, Amleyouna (Ouaddai province) and Abdi (Sila province)," said the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in its latest report.
At least 821 suspected cases have been reported in these districts, with 56 deaths, including 28 in the community, representing a case fatality rate of 6.8%, according to a count carried out on 20 August.
These latest developments come as thousands of Sudanese refugees arrive, mainly from Darfur, live without access to adequate sanitation or clean water. This dangerous combination is fuelling the rapid spread of the disease, according to aid workers.
According to UN News to combat the cholera epidemic, the Chadian Ministry of Health has appointed an official to coordinate the response to the epidemic.
UNICEF, in collaboration with the government, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners, is implementing a multisectoral response that covers water, sanitation and hygiene, health, risk communication and community engagement, and child protection.
The conflict in Sudan has led to a massive influx of refugees into Chad's border provinces. Since the conflict began in April 2023, more than 876,000 Sudanese refugees and more than 313,000 Chadian returnees have been registered by the Chadian authorities, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
More than 60% of refugees and nearly 70% of Chadian returnees are children under 18. This includes 95,000 refugees who have arrived in Chad since mid-April 2025, following attacks on the Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps in Sudan.
"Most of these refugees are arriving in the provinces of Wadi Fira and Ennedi East. This influx has put pressure on natural resources and basic services," UNICEF said.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is taking the same view . According to the UN agency, as the influx of new arrivals increases, the pressure on host communities will continue to increase.
This is particularly true as the food security situation is severely affected by poverty, the crisis in Sudan and other factors that have led to significant population displacement, rising food and fuel prices, and disruption to supply chains.
The most vulnerable members of the Chadian population are suffering from a considerable deficit, with malnutrition rates at risk of exceeding the emergency threshold of 15%.
In 2024, only 23.6% of refugee households had an “acceptable food consumption score”, meaning that more than three-quarters of households struggle to access sufficient food quantity and quality. The number of admissions to WFP and UNICEF treatment programmes has increased by more than 150% compared to 2022 in all new camps.
Under these conditions, the WFP plans to assist 2.2 million people this year as part of its response to the Sudanese refugee crisis in Chad.
-0- PANA MA 26Aug2025
