Rising Health Threats in Sudan: Dengue, Mpox, and Cholera Outbreaks Prompt Urgent Response

May 22, 2026

New Delhi, May 22: Amid deteriorating security conditions and challenges in delivering aid, agencies in Sudan are working to control the rising cases of dengue, mpox (monkeypox), and suspected cholera. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported these developments.

According to OCHA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are addressing the suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhea, commonly associated with cholera, in the El Nuhud area of West Kordofan state. This week, over 100 suspected cases and several deaths have been reported.

In the Darfur region, UN relief agencies are collaborating with local health officials to combat the suspected spread of mpox in Central and South Darfur states. OCHA noted that more than 300 suspected cases and five deaths have emerged this week.

OCHA stated that the WHO is assisting in a large-scale vaccination campaign against cholera and measles being conducted by authorities in Darfur.

The office also reported that in Northern and River Nile states, the WHO and health partners are addressing dengue outbreaks. In Northern state, the number of suspected cases has surged to over 500 in the past month, more than tripling.

OCHA emphasized that these health crises are occurring at a time when ongoing security issues pose significant risks to both the general population and humanitarian efforts.

“In South Kordofan, multiple drone attacks on Wednesday resulted in at least two deaths and several injuries. One attack damaged a health center, destroying medicines and medical equipment stored there,” the office reported.

In the first four months of this year, the humanitarian community in Sudan has provided assistance to over 1.6 million people.

According to Xinhua News Agency, OCHA has called on all parties to ensure the safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure and to allow humanitarian agencies access in accordance with international humanitarian law. Additionally, there is an urgent need for extra funding to deliver life-saving assistance to millions in Sudan.