The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning over a rapidly escalating cholera outbreak in Sudan, where ongoing conflict and limited healthcare access are fueling the spread of the disease.
Cases have surged in the capital, Khartoum, as well as in the war-torn region of Darfur, with health officials struggling to contain the outbreak amid collapsing infrastructure and mass displacement.
Conflict worsens health crisis
Sudan has been gripped by violence since April 2023, when clashes erupted between the army and paramilitary forces. The fighting has devastated the country's healthcare system, leaving millions vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
"The cholera outbreak is spreading at an alarming rate," a WHO spokesperson said. "The combination of conflict, displacement and the rainy season creates perfect conditions for cholera to thrive."
Darfur hit hardest
The western region of Darfur, already suffering from decades of conflict, has reported the highest number of cases. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, making treatment and prevention efforts extremely challenging.
Health workers report:
- Over 1,000 suspected cholera cases
- Dozens of confirmed deaths
- Shortages of clean water and medical supplies
International response
The WHO and partner organizations are working to establish treatment centers and deliver emergency supplies, but warn that without a ceasefire and improved access, the situation could deteriorate further.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease, can kill within hours if untreated. It spreads through contaminated water and is particularly dangerous in crowded displacement camps where sanitation is poor.
