Doctors Without Borders Warns of a Serious Epidemic Outbreak in Sudan
Sudan Events – Agencies
Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), has warned of serious risks resulting from the outbreak of epidemics in Sudan in the coming period, due to the near-total collapse of the healthcare system, increasing displacement, ongoing conflict, and the spread of cholera, measles, and dengue fever.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Lockyear stated that the deterioration of sanitation services, disruption of routine vaccination campaigns, and difficulty in accessing clean water all contribute to worsening the humanitarian situation. He added that the rainy season, coinciding with food shortages and peak disease transmission, is likely to further complicate the health crisis and increase the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, alongside rising levels of food insecurity.
Lockyear noted that more than 13 million people have been internally displaced, while half the population faces acute food insecurity. He said, “These conditions lay the groundwork for widespread epidemics unless urgent and large-scale humanitarian interventions are implemented.”
Cholera Out of Control
Regarding the cholera outbreak, Lockyear explained that it’s difficult to get a full picture of the extent of infections, as cases have been reported in several states, including South Darfur. He pointed out that many infected individuals do not seek treatment at health facilities due to difficulties in accessing them and the lack of medical services, complicating response efforts and keeping the true numbers unknown.
He noted that Khartoum State witnessed a sharp rise in cases in the second half of May 2025 due to the absence of functioning health facilities and widespread power outages, particularly in Omdurman, which hindered access to clean water. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of cases reached around 1,000 per day by the end of May before the numbers began to gradually decline. Lockyear explained that MSF is working closely with the Ministry of Health to enhance cholera response efforts, supporting several cholera treatment units in Khartoum State, establishing rehydration points, strengthening surveillance and referral teams, and conducting community awareness campaigns.
Restrictions on Humanitarian Organizations
Lockyear stated that the field conditions remain catastrophic after more than two years of war. He noted that organizations face major challenges in providing medical care due to administrative restrictions, lack of funding, shortages of medical supplies, and limited access to affected areas. He cited the disruption of routine vaccination campaigns, which has led to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles among children.
He warned of the risks of new epidemics breaking out in conflict-affected areas, citing the spread of measles in Darfur and the sharp rise in cholera cases in Khartoum State and other regions. He confirmed that attacks on humanitarian missions and civilian infrastructure—including health facilities, water stations, and power supplies—continue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of October 2024, 70 to 80 percent of health facilities in Sudan are barely functioning due to direct attacks, staff shortages, and lack of supplies. Lockyear stated, “In some areas, it’s very difficult to find a health center that is effectively functioning and staffed with qualified personnel and essential medicines.”
Deteriorating Humanitarian Situation
Lockyear described the humanitarian situation in Sudan as “catastrophic,” citing United Nations estimates, and said that over 13 million displaced people live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with extremely limited access to basic services.
He called on international organizations to intensify their interventions, overcome bureaucratic obstacles, and preposition supplies before the situation worsens further. He also warned that drone attacks on electricity infrastructure are causing water pumping stations to shut down, forcing residents to use unsafe water sources and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera. He added, “MSF is currently implementing preventive measures, including improving water and sanitation infrastructure and carrying out health awareness campaigns in affected areas.”
Warning of a Looming Disaster
Regarding the Darfur region, Lockyear said the health situation—especially in North Darfur—is rapidly deteriorating. He explained that Zamzam Camp, once the largest displacement site in Sudan housing over half a million people, was subjected to a massive attack in April 2025 following a year of siege and starvation. The camp is now nearly empty, and MSF teams had to evacuate it last February. He noted that access to healthcare in Darfur is extremely limited due to insecurity and damaged infrastructure and roads, with only some UN agencies and a few NGOs operating in the region.
Lockyear confirmed that MSF continues to provide emergency and basic healthcare services, particularly in maternal care, child health, and nutrition, despite security and logistical challenges. He reiterated that Sudan is facing a complex humanitarian and health catastrophe that requires a swift international response, stressing that failure by the international community to act may result in devastating epidemic outbreaks across the country, especially in areas most affected by conflict and displacement.
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat
