How 1000 days of war in Sudan escalated the world’s deadliest health and humanitarian crisis

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by WHO, click this post to read the original article.

Today marks 1,000 days since the conflict in Sudan began, creating what has become the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Over 20 million people need health support, and 21 million are facing extreme hunger. With 33.7 million people expected to need aid this year, Sudan’s fragile health system is collapsing under the weight of continuous violence, funding shortfalls, and limited access. Nearly 37% of health facilities are not functioning, which has left millions without essential medical care. Since April 2023, there have been 201 attacks on health care services, leading to nearly 1,860 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

You’re seeing the impact of mass displacement firsthand, with 13.6 million people forced to flee their homes—making Sudan the largest displacement crisis globally. The resulting overcrowding, disrupted sanitation, and broken immunization programs have enabled significant disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, measles, and dengue. Cholera has now been reported across all 18 states. This crisis has made it very difficult to access even the most basic preventive and urgent health care, especially for those with chronic conditions or severe malnutrition.

Despite the challenges, WHO and its partners are working hard to keep Sudan’s health services alive. Over 3,370 metric tons of medicine and supplies have been delivered, valued at $40 million, benefiting 48 health partners. About 24 million people have been vaccinated against cholera, and malaria vaccination efforts are also expanding. So far, more than 3.3 million people have accessed care from WHO-supported health centers, and over 112,000 malnourished children have received life-saving treatment.

Laboratories across Sudan have been strengthened to confirm and respond quickly to disease outbreaks. However, areas such as Darfur and Kordofan remain largely unreachable due to continued fighting, worsening the crisis. Dr. Shible Sahbani of WHO stresses the need for secure and unhindered access to these regions and urges all parties to work toward immediate peace and a ceasefire to prevent further devastation.