A cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed at least 40 people in the last week, according to medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The two-year civil war is exacerbating the spread of the disease by contaminating water and overflowing sewage systems.
In displacement camps, families often have no choice but to drink dirty water, which is the primary cause of cholera. MSF reported that one camp had a body discovered in a well just two weeks ago, only for people to be forced to drink from the same contaminated water again within days.
The outbreak has worsened due to heavy rains and the country’s ongoing conflict. Sudan first confirmed the outbreak over a year ago, with more than 99,700 suspected cases and 2,470 related deaths. The disease is spreading rapidly as people flee fighting zones.
MSF teams in Tawila have treated over 2,300 cholera patients last month, with their hospital accommodating 400 patients in just one week. The city of El Fasher has seen an influx of 380,000 displaced people since April, putting pressure on already overwhelmed healthcare services.
Water shortages are making it impossible for communities to follow essential hygiene measures, such as washing dishes and food. Cholera treatment centres across Darfur are struggling to cope with the surge in cases, with residents describing dire conditions and limited access to clean water.
The situation is “beyond urgent” and spreading beyond displacement camps into multiple localities across Darfur states, according to MSF’s head of mission in Sudan, Tuna Turkmen. She is calling for an international response to provide healthcare, improve water and sanitation services, and launch cholera vaccination campaigns in affected areas as quickly as possible.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/aug/14