Cholera Epidemic Spreads Amid Sudan Civil War, Thousands Infected Across Multiple States

Sudan is facing a severe cholera outbreak exacerbated by the ongoing civil war, which has devastated infrastructure and displaced thousands of people across multiple states, including Khartoum, River Nile, South Kordofan, and North Darfur. The conflict has led to the collapse of healthcare services, destruction of water purification and power facilities, and overcrowded living conditions, particularly in Khartoum and Omdurman, accelerating the spread of the disease. UNICEF warns that over a million children are at risk, with many healthcare facilities shut down due to fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Cholera cases have surged dramatically, with reports indicating over 65,000 infections and more than 1,700 deaths since last August, and daily new cases continuing to rise in some regions despite declines in others. Humanitarian efforts are ongoing but hindered by insecurity, access constraints, and funding shortages, with calls from the UN for immediate ceasefire, unimpeded aid access, and increased support to curb the epidemic and address the basic needs of displaced populations. The crisis highlights the broader issues of entrenched poverty, lack of sanitation, and systemic inequality intensified by conflict.