1. Latest Cholera Situation in Sudan (2025)
As of May 2025, Sudan is experiencing a severe cholera outbreak, particularly in Khartoum, where 70 deaths were reported in just two days . Key statistics include:
- 65,000+ suspected cases since August 2024, with 1,700+ deaths.
- Khartoum state accounts for 90% of recent fatalities due to destroyed infrastructure and limited healthcare access.
- Global context: Across 26 countries, 157,035 cholera cases and 2,148 deaths were reported by late April 2025, with Africa being the worst-hit region.
Contributing factors:
- War & displacement: Conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left 90% of hospitals non-functional in key war zones.
- Collapsed water & sanitation systems: Drone attacks disrupted water supply in Khartoum, worsening contamination risks.
- Vaccine shortages: Global oral cholera vaccine (OCV) stockpiles are below emergency thresholds (3.6M doses vs. 5M needed).
2. Personal Protection Measures to Prevent Cholera Infection
Cholera spreads via contaminated water/food. Key preventive steps:
A. Hygiene & Sanitation
- Drink only boiled, chlorinated, or bottled water.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap after toilet use, before eating, and after handling waste.
- Avoid raw foods (e.g., unpeeled fruits, seafood) and eat only hot, cooked meals.
B. Household & Community Measures
- Disinfect surfaces with 0.5% chlorine solution.
- Use proper latrines; safely dispose of feces, especially from children.
- Isolate symptomatic individuals and seek medical help immediately.
C. For Healthcare Workers & Responders
- Wear full PPE (details in Section 3) when handling patients or contaminated materials.
- Follow strict waste disposal protocols for contaminated items.
3. PPE Requirements for Cholera Epidemics
Essential PPE for cholera response includes:
| PPE Item | Purpose | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrile/Latex Gloves | Prevent contact with contaminated fluids | 5-mil thickness, changed between patients |
| Disposable Gowns/Aprons | Protect clothing from splashes | Impermeable material, full-body coverage preferred |
| Face Shields/Goggles | Shield against vomit/diarrhea splashes | Anti-fog coating for clear visibility |
| Surgical Masks/N95 Respirators | Reduce droplet exposure (N95 for aerosol-generating procedures) | Fluid-resistant if splashes are likely |
| Rubber Boots/Shoe Covers | Prevent contamination in wet/unsanitary conditions | High ankle coverage for flooding zones |
PPE Donning/Doffing Protocol:
- Donning: Hand hygiene → gown → mask → goggles → gloves.
- Doffing: Gloves → hand wash → goggles → gown → mask → final hand wash.
4. Advantages of SINOMOX PPE Products
- Certified Protection: Compliance with EN/ISO standards for fluid resistance.
- Durability: Reinforced seams and puncture-resistant gloves for harsh conditions.
- Ergonomics: Breathable fabrics to reduce heat stress during prolonged use.
- Rapid Deployment: Pre-packaged cholera response kits for emergency distribution.
For responders in Sudan, such PPE would be critical given the lack of clean water and high contamination risks.
Key Takeaways
- Sudan’s cholera crisis is exacerbated by war, infrastructure collapse, and vaccine shortages.
- Strict hygiene, safe water, and proper PPE are vital for prevention.
- PPE must meet high standards to protect healthcare workers in high-risk zones.
For ongoing updates, refer to WHO’s multi-country cholera reports and ReliefWeb’s Sudan response dashboards.
