WASH Needs Assessment – Blue Nile, Sudan: A survey of WASH conditions in IDP camps (June 2026).
The escalation of conflict in early 2026 has resulted in large-scale displacement into Al Karama sites, hosting over 170,000 internally displaced persons, many in overcrowded informal settlements, schools, and unfinished structures. This rapid influx has severely strained already limited WASH services. Public health risks are acute: conditions are highly conducive to waterborne diseases, with Hepatitis E already spreading in displacement settings and ongoing risks of cholera and acute watery diarrhoea (AWD), particularly during the June-October rainy season. Flooding is expected to exacerbate contamination, as overflowing latrines and surface runoff will spread faecal matter into living areas and water sources. Combined with continued arrivals and system saturation, these risks are likely to intensify, further increasing morbidity and mortality, particularly among children and pregnant women.
To address these gaps, the WASH Cluster undertook a comprehensive in-depth assessment across Al Karama sites. This included a household survey covering 1,337 households, alongside detailed assessments of water facilities and public sanitation infrastructure. The combined approach provides a robust and holistic understanding of WASH conditions, informing evidence-based prioritization and response planning.
