Measles Outbreak Kills Four in North Darfur as Health System Collapses

Shangil Tobaya, April 25, 2026 - A measles outbreak has killed at least four people in North Darfur, as health authorities warn of a worsening epidemic amid a near-total breakdown of healthcare services in the region. The General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur reported a sharp rise in suspected measles infections, citing more than 50 recorded cases in the Shangil Tobaya area alone. Officials warned that the number is likely to increase due to limited medical response capacity and shortages of essential medicines. Additional cases have been reported in surrounding localities, including Dar al-Salam and Abu Hamra, with verification and case tracking still ongoing in some areas. Health workers say the outbreak is occurring against the backdrop of widespread disruption to immunization campaigns and the closure of many health facilities due to ongoing conflict. The collapse of basic health services has significantly reduced access to treatment, particularly for children, who remain the most vulnerable. A spokesperson for the coordination group said the situation reflects a broader humanitarian crisis in which deteriorating infrastructure and insecurity have severely weakened epidemic response mechanisms. Humanitarian appeals have been directed to international health agencies for urgent intervention, including vaccination campaigns and emergency medical support to contain the spread of the disease. The group also called for an end to hostilities, warning that continued fighting is worsening humanitarian conditions and increasing the risk of preventable deaths among women and children due to disease outbreaks and lack of care.