UNICEF said that the lives of more than 640,000 children under five are at heightened risk of violence, disease and hunger. Recent assessments show that the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in North Darfur has doubled in the past year.
More than 1,180 cholera cases including an estimated 300 cases in children and at least 20 deaths have been reported in Tawila in the State since the first case was detected on 21 June 2025. This represents a rapid surge in cases in the town which has absorbed over 500,000 internally displaced people fleeing violent conflict since April this year.
Across the five Darfur States, the total cholera caseload as of 30 July has reached nearly 2,140 with at least 80 fatalities.
"Despite being preventable and easily treatable, cholera is ripping through Tawila and elsewhere in Darfur, threatening children's lives, especially the youngest and most vulnerable," UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett said.
"We are working tirelessly with our partners on the ground to do everything we can to curb the spread and save lives - but the relentless violence is increasing the needs faster than we can meet them. We have and we continue to appeal for safe, unimpeded access to urgently turn the tide and reach these children in need."
UNICEF continues to call on the government and all other concerned parties to urgently facilitate sustained, unimpeded, and safe access to reach children in Tawila and across the Darfur States to prevent loss of young lives.
