Rising Cholera Cases in Darfur as Death Toll Surpasses 3,000 Amid Sudanese Conflict

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a rapid escalation of cholera cases across Darfur, Sudan, with the death toll exceeding 3,000 over the past 14 months amid ongoing civil conflict. The outbreak, initially identified in Kassala state in July of the previous year, has now spread to all 18 states of Sudan, primarily driven by the contamination of food and water sources.

In response, WHO has launched a vaccination campaign targeting over 400,000 individuals in North Darfur to curb the spread of the disease. As of recent reports, more than 12,700 cholera cases and 358 fatalities have been documented, with the epidemic affecting over half of the localities in Darfur. The surge in cases is compounded by severe access challenges, hindering health response efforts.

The civil war between Sudanese military factions, which began in April 2023, has resulted in devastating consequences, including over 40,000 deaths and the displacement of around 12 million people. Both sides in the conflict have been accused of atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and violence against civilians, including children. The chaos and displacement have exacerbated the outbreak, with limited access to essential services like clean water, food, and healthcare.

Overall, the country reports more than 113,600 cholera cases and over 3,000 deaths, reflecting a fatality ratio of approximately 2.7%, significantly above the acceptable thresholds. The situation remains critical, with ongoing efforts needed to contain the outbreak amid ongoing instability.