Sudan’s health authorities have raised alarm over a sharp increase in dengue fever, malaria and measles cases, warning that ongoing conflict continues to undermine the national response capacity.
The Federal Ministry of Health reported that cumulative dengue fever infections had reached 6,976, including five deaths — a rise compared to the same period last year. Malaria cases have climbed significantly in Khartoum, River Nile, White Nile and Gezira states, while high measles rates persist in Tawila locality in North Darfur, as well as in Ad Damazin and Tandalti in White Nile. Gezira has also continued to record Hepatitis E infections, though officials noted a slight weekly decline.
The health system has been severely disrupted since the outbreak of war, with fighting and road closures hampering the delivery of medicines and medical supplies. Public health surveillance and prevention programs have deteriorated, while rising numbers of internally displaced people have placed additional pressure on already overstretched hospitals.
In response, the ministry has activated emergency operations centres at state and local levels and begun dispatching supplies to high-risk areas. Technical committees are monitoring measles and hepatitis cases, particularly among an estimated 58,158 displaced families — more than 227,000 individuals. Community outreach initiatives include home visits, mobile media campaigns and interactive theatre to raise awareness. Authorities are also testing water quality, monitoring chlorine levels and intensifying mosquito control efforts.
Despite these measures, officials acknowledge critical shortages of essential medicines for cholera, dengue and malaria. Federal Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim has ordered intensified measles control efforts and heightened surveillance for Hepatitis E in Gezira, alongside preparations to replenish malaria drug stocks ahead of the autumn rainy season. While budgets have been approved for dengue campaigns in Northern and Khartoum states, the minister stressed the need for innovative funding approaches to stabilise supply chains under current national and regional constraints.
