The World Health Organization warned Friday that Sudan’s cholera outbreak is intensifying, killing nearly 1,100 people since January. All 18 states have reported cases, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said, noting more than 100,000 infections and 2,741 deaths since July 2024.
From January 1 to August 11, 2025, Sudan recorded 48,768 cholera cases and 1,094 deaths, Lindmeier added, highlighting the escalating crisis. Darfur has been particularly devastated since the first case emerged in South Darfur on May 29, now affecting 28 localities across five states.
South Darfur has reported 6,491 cases and 130 deaths, representing 52% of all cholera-related fatalities in the Darfur region. Authorities are preparing an urgent cholera vaccination campaign in priority areas of South Darfur to curb the fast-spreading outbreak.
El Fasher in North Darfur faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with civil war, displacement, and food shortages worsening public health conditions. Nationwide, only 38% of health facilities are fully functional, while 62% are partially operational, severely hampering emergency response efforts.
Child vaccination rates have plunged from over 90% in 2022 to just 48%, leaving children highly vulnerable to preventable diseases. Nearly 20,000 children have been admitted this year to stabilization centers for severe acute malnutrition, often with life-threatening complications.
WHO confirmed 177 attacks on health facilities since April 2023, causing 1,176 deaths and 362 injuries, further straining fragile medical services. Despite ongoing restrictions, WHO continues delivering supplies and support to health centres, working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and save lives.
