Cholera, measles and conflict create deadly crisis in Sudan’s North Darfur

August 19, 2025 (EL FASHER) – The Ministry of Health in North Darfur State revealed on Tuesday a rise in cases of cholera, measles, and malaria, as well as mass casualties resulting from the ongoing conflict.

North Darfur is the most affected state in the western Sudanese region by the conflict, which has destroyed infrastructure in several cities, especially in the state capital, El Fasher. Residents in other parts of the state face difficulties accessing healthcare and water shortages.

The Health Emergency Room at the North Darfur Ministry of Health said in a statement that the state has “witnessed an increase in cases of epidemics and autumn diseases.”

It pointed to the registration of 826 new cholera cases within one week, including four deaths, with most cases detected in Tawila.

In Tawila, 560,000 displaced people face multiple humanitarian crises, including shortages of food and hygiene supplies such as soap, as well as inadequate sanitation. This has forced them to resort to harmful coping mechanisms such as reducing food intake, begging, and child labour to meet their needs.

The Emergency Room clarified that the total number of cholera cases in North Darfur has reached 4,238, including 75 deaths, since the outbreak began.

It reported detecting 19 measles cases within a week, raising the total to 1,293 cases, with 1,286 of them in Tawila alone.

The chamber also revealed the registration of 2,099 new malaria cases in one week, including 657 cases in El Fasher and 294 in Tawila. The remaining cases were distributed among Kebkabiya, Al-La’it, Kalimendo, and other localities in the state.

The statement reported 347 mass casualties due to the conflict in just one week, including 37 deaths.

Since the war began on April 15, 2023, the total number of deaths in North Darfur resulting from the conflict has reached 2,242, with 13,178 injuries.