The World Health Organization warns of a worsening cholera outbreak in Sudan

World Health Organization (WHO) Warn for Sudan

The World Health Organization warned on Friday that the cholera outbreak in Sudan is likely to worsen as the war continues, displacement expands, and the rainy season begins.

This comes as the country faces a worsening humanitarian crisis and a severe funding shortage, coinciding with ongoing fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the cholera outbreak, declared on June 27, has killed at least 114 people and infected more than 1,300 others. The disease is spreading across several states, particularly Darfur and Kordofan, where access for aid teams and health workers remains severely restricted.

"Cholera is back," said the WHO representative in Sudan, Shibl Sahbani, during a press conference via video link from Libya.

"The case fatality rate is 13.7 percent, which is extremely high, and the rainy season is expected to exacerbate the situation."

Cholera is a highly contagious disease that causes severe diarrhea and can be fatal if sewage and drinking water are not adequately treated.

The WHO stated that Sudan is facing the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with more than 33 million people in need of assistance, including 21 million who require health services.

Sahbani expressed grave concern about the situation in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, which is under siege and its health facilities are under immense pressure. The delivery of humanitarian aid is hampered by the escalating fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.

He warned that the city could become "a second El Fasher, or even worse," referring to the humanitarian crisis in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state.

Meanwhile, the United Nations warned on Friday that it has received only 12% of the $2.7 billion it needs to provide humanitarian assistance to some 15 million people in Sudan.