# Between bullets and outbreaks: epidemic control in Sudan’s forgotten war

## TL;DR

Sudan's ongoing war has led to a breakdown in health systems, causing outbreaks of diseases like cholera and measles, with risks spreading beyond the region.

## Contribution

The paper provides a review of epidemic control challenges in conflict settings and offers conflict-sensitive public health recommendations.

## Key findings

- Health system collapse in Sudan has led to concurrent epidemics of vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Displacement and cross-border movement have worsened disease spread.
- Conflict-sensitive interventions are needed to address operational barriers to epidemic control.

## Abstract

Two years into Sudan’s prolonged war, the collapse of health systems has fueled multiple concurrent epidemics, triggering a complex humanitarian emergency with regional spillover risks. Over 30 million people need aid, more than 11 million displaced internally, and cross-border movement has exacerbated the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, including Cholera, Measles, and circulating vaccine-derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). This review analyzes emerging epidemiological patterns and operational barriers to epidemic control in the context of armed conflict, displacement, and infrastructure collapse. It concludes with targeted recommendations for conflict-sensitive public health interventions.