Mass casualties reported in Sudan's most severe cholera epidemic in years, confirmed by MSF
Cholera Outbreak Ravages Sudan's Darfur Region
A cholera outbreak in Sudan's Darfur region has been causing alarm, with over 2,300 patients treated and 40 deaths reported in the past week alone. The outbreak, one of Sudan's worst in years, is primarily due to poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and the disruption from ongoing conflict and displacement.
As of August 2025, the outbreak has resulted in around 99,700 suspected cholera cases and over 2,470 deaths nationwide. The western region, which has been a major battleground for over two years, has been hardest hit. Thousands of cases have been concentrated in Darfur, especially the Tawila locality in North Darfur, which reported 2,957 suspected cases by early August 2025 and continues to see an upward trend.
The war and internal displacement have damaged healthcare infrastructure and hindered access to treatment and prevention resources, exacerbating the crisis. Cholera is spreading beyond displacement camps and into multiple localities across Darfur states and beyond, largely due to population movements.
The outbreak is ongoing and spreading beyond Sudan’s borders into neighboring countries such as Chad and South Sudan. Treatment centers have expanded capacity, such as the Damazin Hospital in Blue Nile state, to manage rising cases compounded by malnutrition, which increases mortality.
Efforts to curb the outbreak include plans for mass oral cholera vaccination campaigns, improving water and sanitation infrastructure, and treatment provision. However, challenges remain due to access issues, security concerns, and funding shortages. UNICEF urgently requires $30.6 million for its emergency response.
MSF's head of mission in Sudan, Tuna Turkmen, stated that the situation is "beyond urgent." UN agencies have spoken of appalling conditions for the remaining civilians trapped inside. In Tawila, North Darfur state, 380,000 people have fled due to ongoing fighting and survive with an average of just three liters of water per day, which is less than half the emergency minimum threshold.
Cholera is an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with bacteria. It causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Simple oral rehydration and antibiotics can treat cholera, but it can be deadly without proper care.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan is a significant factor in the spread of cholera. The war has caused mass displacements of civilians, denying them access to clean water for essential hygiene measures. The situation is particularly dire in Darfur, where paramilitaries are attempting to take El-Fasher.
The capital Khartoum has been recaptured by forces loyal to the regular army in March, but the exodus of civilians seeking refuge is spreading the cholera outbreak. Families in displacement and refugee camps often have no choice but to drink from contaminated sources, leading to an increase in cholera cases.
In summary, the cholera outbreak in Sudan's Darfur region is a complex issue, heavily driven by war and humanitarian challenges. Efforts are being made to curb the outbreak, but challenges remain due to access issues, security concerns, and funding shortages. It is crucial that these challenges are addressed to prevent the spread of the disease and save lives.
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