By Zainab Bakare
A cholera outbreak in Sudan has claimed 120 lives and left more than 1,100 suspected cases since May, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The outbreak comes as Sudan continues to grapple with a devastating conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has severely weakened the country’s healthcare system.
WHO Sudan Representative, Dr. Shible Sahbani, said the latest outbreak is the third cholera wave to hit the country in three years. He noted that while cholera previously appeared in cycles every three years, ongoing conflict and limited access to healthcare have made outbreaks more frequent.
The Sudanese government recently declared the outbreak in West Kordofan State, a key conflict zone between army and RSF-controlled territories.
Health officials fear the disease could spread further as Sudan enters its rainy season, a period often associated with increased cholera transmission due to poor access to clean water and sanitation.
The WHO reported nearly 300 suspected cases and three deaths in neighbouring North Kordofan, raising concerns that the outbreak is expanding.
The crisis has been worsened by continued drone attacks on critical infrastructure, including power stations, disrupting access to safe drinking water and electricity.
According to the WHO, nearly 40 per cent of Sudan’s health facilities are no longer functioning, while many of the remaining facilities operate only partially, limiting access to essential healthcare services.
The latest outbreak follows a previous cholera wave that infected more than 124,000 people and killed about 3,500 between July 2024 and March 2026.
Health authorities and humanitarian agencies continue to call for increased support to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
