Health Crisis Deepens in Sudan With Surge in Epidemics, Ongoing Conflict

Sudan faces an escalating health crisis as seasonal epidemics of dengue fever, malaria, and cholera surge alongside ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese Health Ministry recently reported 21 cholera-related deaths in Khartoum and Gedaref states.

According to acting Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, dengue fever is proliferating in eight states, including Gedaref, where at least 700 cases and eight deaths have been reported. In North Darfur, approximately 80,000 malaria cases have been recorded.

The Health Ministry, supported by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, has initiated campaigns to combat these diseases, but challenges remain. Previously, the RSF had seized a primary medical supplies warehouse, resulting in significant losses.

Last week, the UN reported that about 1,200 children under age 5 have died in nine refugee camps over the past four months, primarily from suspected measles outbreaks and malnutrition. Epidemiologist Hamza Awadalla warns that the deteriorating health sector’s limited ability to respond poses a risk of a more widespread epidemic.