Sudan reports new cholera and measles cases amid mixed health indicators
June 16, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s federal ministry of health on Tuesday reported 36 suspected cases of measles in Khartoum and White Nile states, alongside seven confirmed cases of cholera in West Kordofan, even as malaria and dengue fever rates declined nationwide.
The figures were released in the epidemiological situation report for the 23rd week of the year during a weekly federal emergency operations centre meeting led by Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim.
Health authorities said the suspected measles cases were recorded between June 6 and June 13 in Khartoum and White Nile states, with no associated deaths reported.
In West Kordofan, laboratory tests confirmed seven cholera cases out of 10 samples tested, while three returned negative. The ministry noted that a technical committee for cholera control has been activated in the state, isolation centres have been established, and emergency medical supplies are being prepared for dispatch.
Conversely, the ministry reported a drop in dengue fever cases across affected states, including Khartoum, Gezira, River Nile, Northern, and Kassala, where 143 infections and zero deaths were recorded. Malaria rates also declined notably during the same period.
The health report highlighted other localized outbreaks, including five non-fatal cases of meningitis in Gezira State and 132 cases of Hepatitis E in Gezira and Blue Nile states, with no deaths reported. Additionally, four cases of heatstroke were recorded at the Argeen border crossing.
Health officials confirmed that precautionary measures for Ebola are ongoing, including training medical personnel in Port Sudan, updating treatment protocols, and launching public awareness campaigns.
Medical supplies for combating epidemics and malaria varied across states, with authorities noting a continuous need to bolster shipments, though intravenous fluids remain available nationwide.
The quarantine department reported that the cumulative number of returnees from Egypt via the Argeen and Ashkeit crossings has reached 242,663 people. Additionally, 2,428 pilgrims arrived through Port Sudan airport and 2,190 via Suakin port, all undergoing standard health screenings.
Following the briefing, the health minister ordered the preparation of a monthly malaria report as part of a prime ministerial initiative to strengthen tracking mechanisms and secure necessary budgets for health risks.
Sudan’s healthcare sector has faced severe disruptions since the conflict erupted in April 2023, causing numerous medical facilities to close and creating critical shortages of personnel and supplies.