120 Deaths Reported in Sudan’s Latest Cholera Outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that Sudan’s latest cholera outbreak has resulted in 120 deaths and 1,102 suspected cases.

The current wave—the country’s third cholera outbreak in just three years—began only two months after the previous outbreak was officially declared over in March. According to government figures, the last outbreak, which lasted from July 2024 to March 2026, infected more than 124,400 people and claimed approximately 3,500 lives.

WHO Representative in Sudan Dr. Shible Sahbani said that while cholera in Northeast Africa historically occurred in roughly three-year cycles, Sudan is now experiencing nearly continuous outbreaks due to the ongoing conflict, restricted humanitarian access, and shortages of essential supplies.

Health officials expect the outbreak to worsen as the rainy season approaches. Millions of people lack access to safe drinking water, while seasonal rains are likely to make it even more difficult for humanitarian agencies to reach affected communities.

Earlier this week, the Sudanese government declared a cholera outbreak in West Kordofan State, an area that lies along the frontline between territories controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The WHO said the outbreak appears to be spreading, with around 300 suspected cases and three deaths reported in neighboring North Kordofan State. The warning comes as the United Nations has cautioned that the RSF may be preparing a ground offensive against the city of El Obeid.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said that attacks on electricity facilities in El Obeid have disrupted access to life-saving drinking water and electricity, warning of the risk of large-scale atrocities.

After more than three years of war—which humanitarian organizations estimate has claimed over 200,000 lives—most of Sudan’s hospitals are now either completely or partially out of service.

Dr. Sahbani said that 40 percent of the country’s health facilities are completely non-functional, while approximately 60 percent are operating only partially, providing limited and often inadequate medical services.

The war, which has continued for more than three years between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has severely devastated Sudan’s healthcare system.