Sudan experiences deadliest cholera outbreak in years, leaving at least 40 people deceased, as reported by an organization. - Sudan Witnesses Major Cholera Outbreak, Resulting in Over 40 Fatalities - Report from a Specific Organization
Sudan Faces Severe Cholera Outbreak Amidst Conflict and Humanitarian Crises
The current cholera outbreak in Sudan is one of the worst in years, with the situation worsening, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Darfur. Since August 2024, there have been nearly 100,000 suspected cholera cases and over 2,470 related deaths countrywide as of mid-August 2025.
Impact on Darfur
Darfur, especially Tawila in North Darfur state, is one of the hardest hit locations. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported thousands of patients and dozens of deaths in just a single week. The cholera treatment center in Tawila, designed for 130 patients, was overwhelmed with 400 patients at one point, indicating extreme strain on healthcare infrastructure.
Causes of the Outbreak
The key causes of the outbreak and its spread in Sudan are directly linked to the ongoing conflict and associated humanitarian crises. The war has caused massive displacement, overcrowding in camps, and movement of people fleeing violence, which exacerbates disease transmission.
Water shortages and poor sanitation are widespread, undermining hygiene practices essential to prevent cholera infection, such as washing dishes and food. Malnutrition is also compounding the lethality of cholera; MSF reports patients suffering from both acute malnutrition and cholera are dying at treatment centers. Surveillance and reporting challenges mean the actual number of cases might be higher than official figures suggest.
Urgent Needs for Response
Local and international health actors, including the Sudan Ministry of Health, MSF, UNICEF, and WHO, emphasize urgent needs for improved healthcare access, water and sanitation infrastructure, and urgent mass cholera vaccination campaigns across affected areas, especially in Darfur.
About Cholera
Cholera is a severe gastrointestinal illness that, if untreated, can lead to death within hours. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food and affects the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. The current status of the cholera outbreak in Sudan demands coordinated emergency response to prevent further loss of life.
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