By Ayomide Otitoju
A large-scale cholera vaccination campaign has been launched across six localities in Sudan’s Darfur region to curb the spread of the disease, which has already infected over 12,700 people and claimed 358 lives since May.
The campaign began on 21 September in Nyala Ganoub, Nyala Shemal and Biliel in South Darfur, and on 22 September in Abu Jabra and Ad Daein in East Darfur. Authorities plan to extend it to Tawila in North Darfur before the end of the month, aiming to reach 1.86 million people aged one and above with oral cholera vaccines.
The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Sudan’s Ministry of Health coordinated the effort, mobilising nearly 2 million doses through cross-border and crossline operations despite significant access and transport challenges. “WHO teams in Darfur are working tirelessly with health partners to protect vulnerable populations from the further spread of cholera,” said Dr. Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan.
Sudan is grappling with its longest cholera outbreak on record, with nearly 114,000 cases and more than 3,000 deaths reported nationwide since July 2024. The crisis has been worsened by ongoing conflict, displacement, poor access to water and sanitation, and the rainy season, which has increased contamination risks.
The 10-day vaccination drive, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and facilitated by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision — comprising WHO, UNICEF, IFRC and Médecins Sans Frontières — will also include disease surveillance, treatment access, water and sanitation interventions, and community engagement to help contain the outbreak.
