Cholera outbreak has reportedly, killed in 120 persons, with 1,102 suspected cases recorded since May in Sudan
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.l that more than three years of conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have devastated the country’s healthcare system.
This marks Sudan’s third cholera outbreak in three years and began just two months after the previous outbreak was declared over in March.
Cholera outbreak kills 120 persons in Sudan, with 1,102 recorded cases as at Juy,2026.
According to government figures, the last outbreak, which lasted from July 2024 to March 2026, infected more than 124,400 people and killed 3,500.
WHO’s Sudan representative, Dr Shible Sahbani, said cholera had previously occurred in Sudan every three years but had now become almost continuous due to the ongoing conflict, restricted access to affected areas and limited medical supplies.
He warned that the situation could worsen as the country’s rainy season begins in the coming weeks, with millions lacking access to clean water while heavy rains further hamper humanitarian access.
The Sudanese government this week declared the latest outbreak in West Kordofan State, a major frontline between areas controlled by the army and the RSF.
Frequent drone attacks by both sides have made commercial activities and humanitarian operations in the Kordofan region increasingly dangerous, pushing hundreds of thousands of people closer to starvation.
The WHO also reported that the outbreak appears to be spreading after nearly 300 suspected cases and three deaths were recorded in neighbouring North Kordofan State.
The United Nations has warned that the RSF is preparing a ground assault on the state capital, El-Obeid.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said drone attacks on the city’s power facilities were disrupting access to safe drinking water and electricity, increasing the risk of mass atrocities.
Three years into the conflict, aid organisations estimate that more than 200,000 people may have been killed.
Sahbani said 40 per cent of Sudan’s health facilities were completely non-functional, while the remaining 60 per cent were only partially operational, providing limited healthcare services to patients.
