Sudan is battling a severe cholera outbreak, with the Ministry of Health reporting 91,034 cases and 2,302 deaths across 116 localities in 17 states from July 2024 to July 2025.
Between July 12 and 18, 2025, 1,307 new cases and 18 deaths were recorded in 35 localities across 12 states.
Tawila in North Darfur reported the highest infections (519 cases), while Bileil in South Darfur had the most deaths, according to the Ministry.
Conflict and Floods Fuel Outbreak
The outbreak, declared on August 12, 2024, after cases emerged in Kassala, is worsened by Sudan’s ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced 14 million, and crippled 70–80% of medical facilities in conflict zones, with over 250 hospitals closed.
Heavy rains and flooding since June 2024 have contaminated water sources, accelerating cholera’s spread alongside malaria and dengue fever.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns that Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is deteriorating due to the cholera outbreak, floods, and mass returns to underserved areas.
Over 3.1 million people, including 500,000 children under five, are at risk of cholera, with 3.4 million children vulnerable to epidemic diseases.
Poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and damaged infrastructure exacerbate the crisis, particularly in displacement sites.
Response Efforts Underway
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF are supporting Sudan’s Federal Ministry of Health with vaccination campaigns, delivering over 13.7 million oral cholera vaccine doses since 2023, including 9.2 million in 2024 and 1.6 million in 2025.
A recent campaign in Khartoum reached 2.24 million people, reducing daily cases from 1,500 to 10–11. UNICEF has also set up oral rehydration centers and distributed water treatment tablets, chlorinating water for 1.9 million people.
Challenges and Calls for Action
Conflict-related disruptions, including attacks on power and water systems, hinder response efforts. Only 30% of conflict zones have access to vaccinations, and 70% of hospitals in affected areas are non-operational.
Public misconceptions about water chlorination and limited community engagement further complicate control measures.
WHO and UNICEF urge unrestricted access to deliver supplies and call for peace to address the crisis’s root causes.
Why It Matters
Sudan’s cholera outbreak, fueled by war and environmental challenges, threatens millions, particularly children.
The crisis highlights the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure, clean water access, and conflict resolution to prevent further loss of life and restore stability to Sudan’s public health system.
More News: Kenya Protests Intensify as Ruto Faces ‘Ruto Wantam’ Cry
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
