Sudanese officials urge action as dengue fever deaths rise in north states

April 24, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Authorities in Sudan’s Northern State issued an urgent appeal on Friday to combat a dengue fever outbreak following a recorded death, amid a significant spread of the disease across northern regions.

The Humanitarian Aid Commission in the Northern State called for immediate intervention from United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to curb the epidemic in Merowe, specifically in the Alzuma area.

The appeal follows the first confirmed death in the state, with total infections reaching 173 cases. Officials warned the health situation could deteriorate rapidly without swift preventative measures.

Northern State currently hosts tens of thousands of displaced persons from the Darfur and Kordofan regions, many of whom are living in the Al-Affad camp east of Al Dabbah.

In neighbouring River Nile State, the Ministry of Health reported a steady increase in infections across several localities.

Ministry statistics released on Thursday showed 108 new dengue fever cases, bringing the cumulative total in the state to 6,304 infections and 12 deaths.

Sudan’s health ministry announced earlier this month that dengue fever rates were rising across seven states, alongside reports of Hepatitis in three other regions.

The country’s healthcare system faces severe challenges due to the ongoing conflict, which has blocked supply routes, restricted the movement of medical supplies, and led to a general collapse in primary care.