Cholera Outbreak in Sudan: Nearly 100 Lives Lost Amid Ongoing Conflict
A cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State has resulted in nearly 100 deaths and 2,700 infections within two weeks. Doctors Without Borders reported significant challenges due to infrastructure damage from ongoing conflict. Local health authorities have initiated measures to control the outbreak, providing clean water access and vaccinations.
In Sudan’s White Nile State, an outbreak of cholera has resulted in nearly 100 fatalities over two weeks, according to an international aid organization. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that as of February 20, approximately 2,700 individuals have contracted cholera, including 92 deaths, with 18 of those being children under the age of nine.
The nation has been embroiled in conflict for nearly two years between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recently, RSF intensified its attacks in White Nile State, leading to significant civilian casualties, including infants, with infrastructure damages exacerbating the crisis.
Following an RSF assault on February 16, which damaged the Rabak power plant, the local population faced dire water shortages, relying on non-potable water transported by donkey carts. MSF emphasized that such attacks on essential facilities adversely impact the health of already vulnerable communities.
The cholera outbreak escalated from February 20 to 24, straining Kosti Teaching Hospital overwhelmed with severely dehydrated patients. To assist, MSF supplied vital logistics including beds and tents to accommodate the influx of patients. Fortunately, numbers had previously declined before this resurgence.
In response to the outbreak, the White Nile State Health Ministry implemented measures to provide access to clean water and halted the use of donkey carts for transport. A vaccination initiative was also launched. Nationally, the Sudanese health ministry reported over 57,135 cholera cases and 1,506 deaths across twelve states, emphasizing the devastating impact of the ongoing war, which has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths and displaced over 14 million people, contributing to widespread famine and disease.
The cholera outbreak in Sudan highlights the severe consequences of ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage on public health. International aid organizations like MSF are actively responding to the crisis, while local health authorities undertake measures to mitigate the outbreak and ensure access to clean water. This situation underscores the urgent need for stability and humanitarian assistance in Sudan.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
