The World Health Organization said a cholera outbreak in Sudan’s West Kordofan state has killed 117 people and infected hundreds more, as the country’s war continues to cripple access to health care and humanitarian aid.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sudanese health authorities had reported 838 suspected cholera cases, including seven confirmed infections and 117 deaths, as of June 20.
The outbreak comes amid a severe disruption of health services caused by the ongoing conflict, Tedros said, warning that mass displacement is making it harder for civilians to obtain basic medical care.
He added that insecurity and access restrictions are delaying the deployment of emergency response teams, as well as the delivery of medical supplies and humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Sudan’s health system has been devastated by more than three years of war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, leaving millions of displaced people exposed to disease outbreaks, hunger and shortages of clean water.
