KHARTOUM — At least 80 people have died and more than 2,100 cholera cases have been recorded across Sudan’s five Darfur states as of July 30, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Sunday.

The agency reported that in Tawila, North Darfur State, 20 people have died and 1,180 cases have been confirmed since June 21.

“Across the five Darfur States, the total cholera caseload as of 30 July has reached nearly 2,140, with at least 80 fatalities,” UNICEF said. It warned that more than 640,000 children in North Darfur are at risk from violence, hunger, and the disease.

“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,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s representative for Sudan.

Yett stressed that ongoing violence is hampering relief efforts, with needs outpacing available resources. He urged for “safe, unimpeded access to urgently turn the tide and reach these children in need,” adding, “They cannot wait a day longer.”

According to UN data, more than 94,170 cholera cases and over 2,370 deaths have been reported across 17 of Sudan’s 18 states since August 2024.

Sudan remains gripped by conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, a war that has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 14 million, according to UN and local figures. Research by US universities estimates the death toll at around 130,000. — Agencies