Sudan

Although Malakal, on the banks of the world’s longest river in Sudan’s Upper Nile State, should have enough water to quench thirst and clean itself; instead the town was grappling with serious challenges as it marked the international week of sanitation in March. With the onset of the rainy season, aid workers worry that cholera could become a significant danger. The river water, which is mostly consumed untreated by many town residents, is contaminated with clay, wood, vegetation, potential pathogens and micro-organisms. Many people bathe in the river, adding to the pollution. (IRIN)