UNICEF calls for urgent humanitarian access to save children in Tawila and Darfur states.

August 4, 2025 (PEN) UNICEF reported more than 1,180 cholera cases – including nearly 300 among children – and at least 20 deaths in Tawila, North Darfur, since the first case was detected on June 21.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said this represents a rapid increase in the number of cases in the town of Tawila, which has received more than 500,000 people displaced by violent conflict since April of this year.

In the five Darfur states, according to a UNICEF press release, the total number of cholera cases as of July 30 reached nearly 2,140, with at least 80 deaths recorded.

Conflict in North Darfur has intensified since April of this year, and in addition to cholera, the lives of more than 640,000 children under the age of five are at increased risk from violence, disease, and hunger.

UNICEF said recent assessments indicate that the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in North Darfur has doubled over the past year. Combined with the cholera outbreak, this is a deadly combination—children weakened by hunger are more vulnerable to cholera infection and death.

Without safe and immediate access to life-saving nutrition, health and water services, the risk of preventable deaths will continue to rise, according to UNICEF.

“Although cholera is a disease that can be easily prevented and treated, it is spreading rapidly in Tawila and other areas of Darfur, threatening the lives of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable,” said Sheldon Yate, UNICEF Representative in Sudan.

He emphasized that UNICEF is working tirelessly with its partners on the ground to contain the outbreak and save lives. However, he said, "The ongoing violence is increasing needs faster than we can meet them. We have called, and continue to call, for safe and unhindered access to urgently turn the situation around and reach these children in need. They cannot wait another day."

UNICEF continues to call on the government and all concerned parties to facilitate safe, sustained, and urgent humanitarian access to children in Tawila and all Darfur states, to prevent further loss of young lives.