A new cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed 172 people and infected more than 2,500 over the past week. Sudan’s Ministry of Health has reported over 60,000 cholera cases and more than 1,600 deaths between August 2024 and May 2025. Sudan is on the brink of a full-scale public health disaster.
OMDURMAN MAY 28: A new cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed 172 people and infected more than 2,500 over the past week, authorities said on Tuesday. Most cases were reported in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, and its twin city of Omdurman. Sudan is now “on the brink” of a public health disaster as cholera and other deadly diseases spread, aid group, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has warned.
Each year, the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Emergency Watchlist analyzes which countries are most likely to experience a new or worsening humanitarian crisis. For the second consecutive year, Sudan tops the list as the country’s collapse accelerates amidst a brutal civil war that has a devastating impact on civilians.
Sudan now represents the largest and fastest displacement crisis in the world. It is also the largest humanitarian crisis ever recorded.
An estimated 3.4 million children under five are at high risk of epidemic diseases. Sudan’s Ministry of Health has reported over 60,000 cholera cases and more than 1,600 deaths between August 2024 and May 2025.
Eatizaz Yousif, IRC’s Sudan Country Director said:
“Sudan is on the brink of a full-scale public health disaster. The combination of conflict, displacement, destroyed critical infrastructure, and limited access to clean water is fueling the resurgence of cholera and other deadly diseases. With the rainy season fast approaching, the need for immediate, coordinated action could not be more urgent.”
“In response, the IRC is scaling up health and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions in Khartoum, focusing on four health care centers. These activities will include training healthcare workers in cholera case management, awareness activities, and support to health centers as well as water, sanitation and hygiene services to ensure infection prevention and control”.
The IRC emphasizes that the cholera outbreak is not just a health issue—it is a direct consequence of Sudan’s deteriorating humanitarian situation owing to the ongoing conflict. With vaccination coverage still low and essential supplies dwindling, the IRC calls on the international community to urgently increase support for frontline humanitarian actors working to contain the epidemic and save lives. Nearly halfway through 2025, 86% of the funding required for Sudan’s humanitarian response plan remains unmet which means millions of people who are in need of humanitarian aid are going without.
the IRC continues to provide support in Blue Nile, Gedaref, Khartoum, South Kordofan, River Nile and White Nile states. They also have a logistics and coordination office in Port Sudan and are exploring opportunities to expand their presence into other states.
