Sudan’s Ministry of Health officially declared the country free of the cholera epidemic on March 4, 2026, meeting scientific standards and the International Health Regulations after an 18-month outbreak. No cases had been recorded in any state since January 14.

The outbreak was first detected in Kassala State in late July 2024. It spread to all 18 states, infecting 124,418 people and causing 3,573 deaths. The containment came from a sustained multisectoral response coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by the WHO.

Rapid Response Teams disinfected latrines and built emergency sanitation facilities in camps for displaced people. In many states, religious and traditional leaders were recruited to build trust, which was critical for uptake of the oral cholera vaccine. Vaccination efforts protected more than 23 million people.

The response drew on international cooperation, including UN pooled funds such as CERF and the Sudan Humanitarian Fund, which provided rapid financing for supplies and local NGO support. It was achieved amid conflict that severely disrupted the health system.

Culled from Xinhua: https://english.news.cn/20260304/96756083e5e84f9aa5e41b12f4410ca3/c.html