Resurgent multistate measles outbreak in Sudan amidst conflict: urgent need for vaccination and international support
1
Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman/Khartoum, Sudan
2
University of Khartoum, Khartoum/Khartoum, Sudan
3
Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali/Kigali, Rwanda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A504
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
This study assesses the epidemiological trends of a multistate measles outbreak in Sudan amidst ongoing armed conflict, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced vaccination efforts and international support.
METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using national surveillance data collected from January 2024 to June 2025. Epidemiological parameters, including case counts, fatalities, and vaccination coverage, were calculated and analyzed with R software 4.2.2 (Version 2025.05.1 + 513).
RESULTS:
A total of 3563 measles cases and 20 deaths were reported across 13 states. North Darfur recorded the highest number of cases (n = 1760), followed by Khartoum (n = 553) and River Nile (n = 380). The overall case fatality rate (CFR) decreased from 1.27% in 2024 to 0.28% in the first half of 2025. Vaccination coverage remained low in several hotspots, with notable deficits in displaced populations worsened by logistics disruptions. The resurgence emphasizes gaps in immunization coverage and underscores the impact of conflict-related healthcare infrastructure deterioration.
CONCLUSIONS:
The re-emergence of measles across multiple regions during Sudan's conflict underscores an urgent need for targeted mass vaccination campaigns, strengthened disease surveillance, and international assistance. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to preventing future outbreaks and safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly children and displaced communities.
This study assesses the epidemiological trends of a multistate measles outbreak in Sudan amidst ongoing armed conflict, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced vaccination efforts and international support.
METHODS:
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted using national surveillance data collected from January 2024 to June 2025. Epidemiological parameters, including case counts, fatalities, and vaccination coverage, were calculated and analyzed with R software 4.2.2 (Version 2025.05.1 + 513).
RESULTS:
A total of 3563 measles cases and 20 deaths were reported across 13 states. North Darfur recorded the highest number of cases (n = 1760), followed by Khartoum (n = 553) and River Nile (n = 380). The overall case fatality rate (CFR) decreased from 1.27% in 2024 to 0.28% in the first half of 2025. Vaccination coverage remained low in several hotspots, with notable deficits in displaced populations worsened by logistics disruptions. The resurgence emphasizes gaps in immunization coverage and underscores the impact of conflict-related healthcare infrastructure deterioration.
CONCLUSIONS:
The re-emergence of measles across multiple regions during Sudan's conflict underscores an urgent need for targeted mass vaccination campaigns, strengthened disease surveillance, and international assistance. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to preventing future outbreaks and safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly children and displaced communities.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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