The war in Sudan could result in countless more deaths if immediate action isn’t taken, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). As fighting intensifies and famine and disease spread, aid workers face immense challenges gaining access to those in need.
Nearly 18 months of conflict have caused Sudan’s internal displacement crisis to become the world’s largest, with over 25 million people—more than half the population—in desperate need of food and healthcare.
“Malnourished children and mothers are dying due to lack of care, and cholera is spreading in many parts of the country,” said WHO regional director Hanan Balkhy during a briefing in Cairo. “Without immediate intervention, famine and disease will claim countless more lives.”
While estimates of the death toll are uncertain, WHO reports that 75% of health facilities in Khartoum are non-functional, and the situation is even worse in the west and south of Sudan. Over 20,000 cholera cases have been recorded this year across half of the country’s 18 states, with the outbreak spreading faster than in 2023.
An oral vaccination campaign is set to begin following the arrival of 1.4 million doses, with another 2.2 million doses expected later.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in mid-April 2023, fueled by tensions over internationally-backed plans for a transition towards civilian rule.
