Over the last month, more than 5,000 instances of malaria, typhoid, and dengue fever have been documented, resulting in numerous fatalities.
Published On 23 Sep 2025
Khartoum, Sudan – The hallways of Omdurman Hospital in Khartoum have been transformed into temporary wards as the city grapples with a surge in dengue fever cases, a mosquito-borne illness that has rapidly spread during the current rainy season.
The persistent rains have fostered an environment conducive to mosquito proliferation, leading to a sharp increase in infections.
Mohammed Siddig, a patient at one of Khartoum’s few fully operational hospitals, recounted his experience after contracting dengue fever. Initially diagnosed at a local clinic, he was referred to a hospital that lacked the capacity to treat him, ultimately bringing him to Omdurman Hospital for care.
“I first noticed symptoms two weeks ago and was tested nearby. When the hospital couldn’t provide treatment, I was transferred here,” Siddig shared.
Khartoum is still in the process of recovery following nearly two and a half years of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has devastated much of the city’s infrastructure.
Authorities report that close to 50% of the capital’s hospitals have been damaged or destroyed due to the ongoing war.
Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, the city has witnessed waves of ethnically motivated violence, mass displacement, and what the United Nations has described as the most severe humanitarian emergency worldwide.
Abdul Rahman Abdalla, whose brother is currently receiving treatment at Omdurman Hospital, expressed concern over the lack of progress in his sibling’s health.
“He’s only been administered intravenous fluids, but we haven’t seen any signs of recovery,” Abdalla said.
In just one district of Khartoum, health officials have recorded over 5,000 cases of malaria, typhoid, and dengue fever in the past month alone, with dozens of deaths linked to these illnesses.
The surge in infections is placing immense pressure on Sudan’s healthcare system, especially as many displaced residents return to the capital. The overcrowding in medical facilities, combined with a critical shortage of essential medicines, has forced some patients to turn to alternative treatments.
For instance, Mohamed Ali, who returned to Khartoum North after SAF regained control in March, chose home remedies over hospital care despite testing positive for both dengue fever and malaria.
“I was tested at a clinic outside my neighborhood because the local one lacks proper equipment. They only provided treatment for malaria, so I decided to manage my illness at home using traditional methods, which seemed quicker than waiting in hospital queues,” Ali explained.
Humanitarian organizations warn that the number of confirmed cases is expected to rise further.
With healthcare facilities overwhelmed and medical supplies scarce, there is growing concern that mortality rates could escalate if urgent interventions are not implemented.
