Sudan faces a severe cholera outbreak amid conflict and strained health services

Across Sudan, health authorities report about 8.3 thousand suspected cholera cases, with medical teams already unable to prevent the loss of hundreds of lives. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expresses deep concern about how armed conflict hampers the spread and response to this outbreak. The situation highlights the link between war and public health emergencies and how conflict disrupts essential services that communities depend on for protection and care. The cholera crisis has intensified as conflict restrictions limit access to medical treatment, clean water, and sanitation. The World Health Organization and Sudan’s Ministry of Health indicate that nearly 8,300 suspected cases were documented across nine states by the end of December. Those numbers point to a nationwide challenge, with some regions reporting a rapid rise in infections amid ongoing violence and displacement. Gezira state contains a large share of the reported cases. The heavy fighting between the Sudanese army and emergency response forces has displaced more than 300,000 people from their homes, compounding the risk of transmission in crowded shelters and settlements. Humanitarian missions are actively working to identify and treat cholera cases, and vaccination campaigns are being organized to curb further spread. Yet the continuing fighting obstructs these life-saving efforts and hinders communities from accessing basic health services and safe drinking water. OCHA notes that a significant portion of health facilities in conflict zones are nonfunctional. In many areas, hospital and clinic operations have ceased or operate at reduced capacity, making it harder for residents to obtain timely care. As a result, a large segment of the population faces barriers to healthcare, clean water, hygiene supplies, and disease prevention information essential to stopping cholera transmission. The political climate in Sudan adds another layer of difficulty. Tensions between civilian authorities and military leadership persisted after the coup attempt in 2020, and the country has struggled to establish a stable governance framework since October 2021 when the interim government faced dissolution in the wake of military actions. This fragile political backdrop complicates coordination, funding, and the rollout of health interventions intended to protect vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in Khartoum intensified on mid-April, resulting in casualties on both sides and affecting civilians as well. Across affected areas, relief organizations are working to provide emergency medical care, distribute safe water, and support disease prevention measures, while humanitarian corridors strive to reach communities cut off by fighting. In the broader health context, the ongoing cholera outbreak underscores the critical need for stable access to healthcare infrastructure. Recovery efforts depend on secured supply lines for vaccines, antibiotics, and rehydration solutions, as well as reliable electricity, laboratory testing, and trained personnel to diagnose and manage cases effectively. International partners continue to monitor the evolution of the outbreak and coordinate support with national health authorities, prioritizing rapid case management, health education, and community engagement to reduce transmission and protect at-risk populations. The country’s health system remains under strain as the epidemic unfolds, making clear the inseparable link between peace, stability, and public health. Stakeholders emphasize that lasting improvements require a combination of ceasefire commitments, safe humanitarian access, and sustained investment in health services to restore routine care and build resilience against future health emergencies. The road ahead remains uncertain, but the shared goal is to prevent further loss of life and to restore basic health protections for all Sudanese citizens.