Dear John,

We have just received urgent news that a cholera outbreak has been confirmed in Sudan, affecting vulnerable refugees and displaced communities. In light of this crisis, we must pause our series of interviews for this week, including the inspirational story of Opira Bosco Okot that I recently shared with you.

While Opira's work as a climate activist emphasizes the long-term importance of addressing environmental challenges, this cholera outbreak underscores the immediate and pressing need for humanitarian action to save lives right now.

Refugees, among the most vulnerable, have not been spared from this devastating disease. Alongside those displaced by the brutal war, they face an imminent threat. Two dozen people have already died from this fast-spreading, highly contagious disease and the risk of further fatalities is alarmingly high if we do not act immediately. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has teams on the ground working to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.

Heavy rain and flash flooding across Sudan, including Kassala State has affected tens of thousands of people who had already been forced to flee by conflict.

Diseases like cholera thrive in crowded and wet conditions, where it is difficult to access clean water and properly store and prepare food. Refugees, like other displaced communities, are particularly vulnerable, living in precarious conditions made worse by extreme weather. They lack the basics to protect themselves from this deadly disease.

We are scaling up our efforts in refugee camps—providing patient beds, medicine, and hygiene supplies in treatment facilities. We are also training health workers. increasing water chlorination, distributing soap and promoting handwashing and hygiene. However, we urgently need your support to improve conditions and halt the spread of disease. People need clean water, hygiene facilities including toilets and handwashing stations and sturdy shelters to keep themselves safe and dry.

Your support is crucial. Donate now to help protect people forced to flee.

With best regards,

Monia Hassan
International Supporter Care
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

P.S. Please do not hesitate to contact us by replying to this email. We want to ensure that your experience with us as a valuable supporter is not only impactful but also pleasant and convenient.