Sudan cholera outbreak 2026

In May 2026, a cholera outbreak emerged in Sudan, just two months after the country's previous outbreak was declared over in March 2026. As of July 10, 2026, the outbreak has caused more than 1,330 confirmed cases and 114 deaths, with an initial case fatality rate of 13.7%, reflecting the collapse of health services amid three years of war. The World Health Organization reported in April 2026 that 37% of Sudan's health facilities were nonfunctional. The outbreak is part of a global surge in cholera: reported cases rose about 175% from 2021 to 2025, with 2025 being the deadliest year in over a decade, with almost 7,600 deaths across 33 countries. Africa accounted for about 70% of reported cholera deaths in 2025. The global cholera case fatality rate was roughly 1.2% in 2025. The disease spreads where safe water and basic healthcare are unreliable, affecting about 2 billion people worldwide who lack safe drinking water. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision has rationed the global vaccine stockpile to a single dose per person due to supply shortages. The World Health Organization and partners aim to cut cholera deaths by 90% by 2030.