WHO has warned that Sudan’s cholera outbreak could escalate rapidly as ongoing armed conflict, population displacement and seasonal heavy rains continue to hamper disease control efforts and humanitarian access. The outbreak, officially declared on June 27, has already claimed at least 114 lives and infected more than 1,300 people, with cases continuing to spread across multiple states.

According to WHO, the outbreak is affecting several parts of Sudan, with the worst hit regions including Darfur and Kordofan, where insecurity has severely limited access for healthcare workers and humanitarian agencies. The organization warned that damaged water and sanitation infrastructure, overcrowded displacement camps and restricted healthcare services are creating conditions for further transmission.

WHO said cholera is primarily spread through contaminated food and water and can cause severe dehydration, leading to death within hours if left untreated. However, with timely treatment, the disease is largely preventable and curable. The agency has urged immediate action to strengthen disease surveillance, expand access to safe drinking water, improve sanitation and accelerate the deployment of oral cholera vaccines in high risk areas.

According to WHO, cholera remains a major global public health threat, with millions of cases reported annually, particularly in countries affected by conflict, climate related disasters and fragile health systems. Sudan’s prolonged humanitarian crisis has significantly weakened healthcare infrastructure, increasing the risk of outbreaks of cholera and other infectious diseases.

Public health experts stressed that coordinated international support, improved humanitarian access and rapid public health interventions are essential to containing the outbreak and preventing further loss of life. The WHO has called on global partners to scale up emergency assistance to strengthen Sudan’s outbreak response and protect vulnerable communities.