Sudan faces a deadly cholera epidemic as 172 people succumb to the disease within a week's time.

Sudan Battles escalating Cholera Outbreak as Conflict Wreaks Havoc on Health Infrastructure

Sudan is grappling with a growing cholera outbreak, with more than 65,200 cases and over 1,700 deaths reported since August 2024. The crisis, which has affected at least 12 of Sudan’s 18 states, has placed over one million children at risk. As of May 2025, the outbreak shows no signs of abating, with cholera cases confirmed in Khartoum state and other areas such as Sharq-elnel, Jabal-Oleia, and Umbadah seeing significant surges.

The ongoing conflict and its Aftermath have played a significant role in this health crisis. Attacks on critical infrastructure, particularly water treatment plants, have left large populations without access to clean water and electricity, exacerbating the spread of cholera. Displacement, damaged health facilities, and the exodus of health workers have made treatment and prevention efforts extremely challenging.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reports over 60,000 cases and more than 1,600 deaths nationwide, noting that national epidemic response supplies have dropped below 52% capacity. MSF (Doctors Without Borders) reports that its cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in Khartoum are overwhelmed, with thousands of suspected cases reported since mid-April and nearly 500 cases recorded in a single day in late May.

Humanitarian organizations are responding with measures such as distributing hygiene kits, setting up oral rehydration points, conducting water quality testing, and running community-based health education campaigns. However, concerns about further spread intensify as the approaching rainy season could worsen the situation if immediate, coordinated action is not taken.

The outbreak is occurring alongside the spread of other diseases such as measles, hepatitis, and malaria, further straining already limited resources and compounding the public health disaster.

[1] Who; Global Health; Sudan Cholera Update, March 2025[2] International Rescue Committee; Country Snapshot - Sudan, March 2025[2] MSF, Sudan Cholera Update, April 2025.

Sally Shakkour, English news team leader and writer
months of experience in publishing content and digital journalism
expert in writing original node stories and monitoring Al Bawaba's social media accounts
adept at utilizing Google's SEO
covering latest and popular news stories

The health crisis in Sudan is compounded by the escalating cholera outbreak, which has affected 12 out of 18 states and placed over one million children at risk.
The conflict in Sudan has played a significant role in the health crisis, with attacks on critical infrastructure hindering access to clean water and electricity.
Displacement, damaged health facilities, and the exodus of health workers have made treatment and prevention efforts extremely challenging during the cholera outbreak.
As of May 2025, the cholera outbreak shows no signs of abating, with cases confirmed in Khartoum state and other areas such as Sharq-elnel, Jabal-Oleia, and Umbadah seeing significant surges.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reports over 60,000 cases and more than 1,600 deaths nationwide due to cholera.
MSF (Doctors Without Borders) reports that its cholera treatment units and oral rehydration points in Khartoum are overwhelmed with thousands of suspected cases since mid-April.
Humanitarian organizations are responding to the cholera outbreak with measures such as distributing hygiene kits, setting up oral rehydration points, conducting water quality testing, and running community-based health education campaigns.
Concerns about further spread of cholera intensify as the approaching rainy season could worsen the situation if immediate, coordinated action is not taken.
The crisis is occurring alongside the spread of other diseases such as measles, hepatitis, and malaria, further straining already limited resources and compounding the public health disaster.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends correct hygiene practices like handwashing, proper food storage, and safe water consumption to prevent cholera.
The IRC stresses the importance of ensuring access to healthcare services, clean water, and sanitation to mitigate the cholera outbreak's impact.
In addition to the cholera outbreak, Sudan also grapples with chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, eye-health problems, and hearing loss.
The recent surge in chronic diseases has highlighted the need for workplace wellness initiatives and medical-condition awareness programs in Sudan.
A growing number of people are turning to therapies and treatments aimed at managing chronic diseases like autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular health problems.
The rise in traditional remedies like CBD oil has sparked debate over its effectiveness and safety in treating medical conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, and chronic pain.
In the broader context of health and wellness, fitness and exercise are essential components of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Womens-health issues, such as reproductive health and menstrual hygiene, remain critical concerns in Sudan, with limited access to quality reproductive healthcare and women's health education.
Addressing these issues requires prioritizing the development and implementation of gender-specific policies and programs within the health and wellness industry.
Parenting advocates are also concerned about the impact of climate change on children's health, noting the increased risk of respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma associated with air pollution.
Mental-health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, are increasingly prevalent in Sudan, with reports suggesting a correlation between mental health disorders and conflict-related trauma.
To improve mental health care access, partnerships between government and private sector entities, along with investments in research and development, are essential.
Sudan's mental-health industry can benefit from adopting treatment models like cognitive-behavioral therapy and telemedicine, especially in rural areas with limited access to mental-health resources.
Men's-health concerns, like prostate cancer and heart disease, often go overlooked in Sudan, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and promoting preventative measures.
Skin-care in Sudan has gained attention due to the prevalence of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, which are often linked to environmental factors, stress, and nutrition.
To combat these issues, experts recommend adopting a holistic approach to skincare, combining proper nutrition, stress management, and the use of empirically-backed skincare products.
The proliferation of health-and-wellness apps and online platforms has made valuable information on fitness, nutrition, and mental-health management easily accessible to Sudanese consumers.
However, the effectiveness of these digital tools depends on factors like technology infrastructure, accessibility, and user engagement, making collaboration between the private and public sectors crucial.
Aging population trends in Sudan pose challenges to the country's health-care system, with the need for elderly care, chronic-disease management, and mental-health support growing steadily.
Nutrition plays a significant role in promoting healthy aging, with proper nutrition contributing to overall health, increased resilience, and reduced risks of chronic diseases.
To promote healthy aging, it is essential to raise awareness about nutrition and provide resources for individuals to make informed decisions about their dietary choices, fostering a culture of health and wellness in Sudan.