Sudan declares new cholera outbreak just months after ending 2-year epidemic

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
June 30, 2026

(Photo Courtesy: World Health Organization)

SUDAN – Just months after officially ending a devastating epidemic, Sudan announced a new cholera outbreak. The Ministry of Health confirmed in West Kordofan state on Monday, reporting 117 deaths, 7 confirmed cases, and 838 suspected cases as of June 20.

The disease, transmitted through contaminated food or water, is spreading rapidly in an environment where health services are crumbling.

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the country’s three-year civil war has displaced millions and severely hindered the deployment of response teams.

“The outbreak is unfolding amid the continued disruption of health services caused by conflict,” Tedros stated.

In response, the WHO is working to scale up cholera treatment centers and install handwashing stations. However, aid operations face mounting pressure with the UN warning that humanitarian efforts are on the “brink of collapse”.

Prior to the current outbreak, the last case in Sudan was reported on January 14 stated by the WHO.