Photo: Shutterstock Sudan has declared a cholera outbreak in West Kordofan state, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as health authorities and humanitarian partners scale up emergency response efforts amid ongoing conflict and displacement.
As of June 20, 2026, the State Ministry of Health reported 838 suspected cholera cases, including 7 confirmed cases and 117 deaths, WHO said in a post shared by Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The outbreak is unfolding in a context of severe disruption to health services caused by the ongoing conflict in the country. According to WHO, population displacement is further limiting access to essential medical care, while insecurity and access restrictions are delaying the deployment of response teams and the delivery of medical supplies.
WHO said it is coordinating the response with partners, including scaling up cholera treatment centres and oral rehydration points, distributing cholera kits, installing handwashing stations, and training chlorinators, hygiene promoters, and health workers. Community health education efforts are also being strengthened to help contain the spread of the disease.
Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe dehydration and death if left untreated, but is preventable and treatable with timely medical care and clean water access.
The situation remains under close monitoring as humanitarian agencies work to expand access and control the outbreak.