A deadly cholera outbreak has struck war-torn Sudan, claiming over 100 lives and raising serious concerns for vulnerable populations, particularly in El-Obeid, North Kordofan. Daily drone attacks in the region continue to obstruct humanitarian aid access.

Dr. Shible Sahbani, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Sudan, reported from Geneva that there are more than 1,330 confirmed cholera cases and 114 deaths. The disease, which is preventable but can be fatal without prompt treatment, is primarily affecting states in western Sudan, including the Darfurs and the Kordofans.

North Kordofan, central Sudan, is a focal point of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The cholera case fatality rate is alarmingly high at 13.7%, with expectations of worsening conditions during the upcoming rainy season.

Despite some returns to areas with improving security, including the capital Khartoum, Dr. Sahbani emphasized that 13.4 million people remain displaced—nine million internally and 4.6 million in neighboring countries.

The WHO has prepositioned health supplies sufficient for over 25,000 people in El-Obeid; however, Dr. Sahbani acknowledged this is insufficient given the scale of the outbreak. Health facilities in El-Obeid are overwhelmed, and access to care is severely limited.

Additionally, this marks the first WHO shipment to reach Kadugli since December 2024, delayed due to access blockages.

Sources