(PORT SUDAN, Sudan) June 6, 2025 – Medical Teams International, a global health and humanitarian relief organization, is responding swiftly to the recent, devastating cholera outbreak in Khartoum, Sudan, through our Mobile Medical Team (MMT). Ravaged by two years of war, Sudan’s water supply and sanitation infrastructure, as well as its overall health system, are severely damaged and contributing to the spread of the disease in Khartoum and elsewhere in the country.

Of the roughly 3 million people who have fled Khartoum since the start of the war, some 34,000 have returned to find their homes and businesses destroyed with no access to clean water or basic services. As reported by the federal health ministry on May 27, the recent cholera outbreak centered in Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman has killed 172 people with more than 2,500 becoming ill in the prior week. Additionally, more than 7,700 cholera cases, including over 1,000 cases in children under age 5, have been reported in Khartoum state since January 2025.

Endemic to Sudan, cholera is a bacterial disease that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration and is usually spread in water. Cholera is fatal if it is not treated promptly. Treatment includes rehydration, IV fluids, and antibiotics. If left untreated, cholera has a 25%-50% mortality rate.

To save lives and prevent the spread of the disease, Medical Teams is closely coordinating our response with local health authorities and other organizations. Through the MMT, staff are identifying and treating cases early to prevent severe dehydration and death, conducting oral rehydration therapy, when needed, and referring complicated or high-risk cases to Cholera Treatment Centers. Additionally, our outbreak mapping helps track the spread and target response efforts.

The ongoing conflict complicates treatment and containment. More than 11 million people now live in crowded displacement centers in Sudan, making it difficult to isolate people infected with cholera. More than 80% of hospitals are out of service and those that are operating have shortages of water, electricity, and medication. Additionally, the rainy season has started in Sudan, which can increase risk of the spread and complicate transportation and emergency response.

“Dramatic changes to the funding of global aid and life-threatening circumstances throughout Sudan mean that fear and suffering are intensifying,” said Birhanu Waka, Medical Teams Country Director for Sudan. “However, we believe in the dignity and worth of every person we serve and, each day, we see the strength and determination of our local staff to improve conditions and restore hope. Please join us in fighting cholera and saving lives.”

Medical Teams is working to secure additional institutional and private funding to expand our response as needs increase. To give, visit https://www.medicalteams.org/sudan/

Medical Teams History in Sudan
Medical Teams started its operation in Sudan in 2021, responding to the refugee crisis in Gedaref State caused by the conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia. Medical Teams now supports 94 health and nutrition centers across multiple states in Sudan. In FY24, Medical Teams in Sudan successfully delivered humanitarian assistance across multiple states, supporting health facilities and nutrition centers and reaching nearly one million conflict-affected individuals, including 500,000 people who received medical consultations at Medical Teams-supported clinics.

About Medical Teams International
Founded in 1979, Medical Teams International provides life-saving medical care for people in crisis, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and survivors of conflict zones and natural disasters. Daring to love like Jesus, we care for the whole person and serve all people. Learn more at medicalteams.org and on social media using @medicalteams.

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