Sudan records over 1600 fatalities due to cholera outbreak
Sudan Struggles With Catastrophic Health Crisis Amidst Ongoing Civil War
The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the humanitarian crisis in Sudan as one of "catastrophic proportions." In a recent report, the WHO states that since the start of the cholera epidemic in August 2021, around 60,000 cases have been recorded, with over 1,600 deaths. Infection is often a result of contact with contaminated water.
As the third year of Sudan's civil war continues, containing the cholera outbreak is proving to be a significant challenge. Millions of people have fled the fighting between the Sudanese government's army, SAF, and the militia, RSF, and are living in cramped and often unsanitary conditions in refugee camps. These poor living conditions, coupled with limited access to clean water, have led to a rapid spread of infectious diseases.
In addition to cholera, there is currently a surge in dengue fever cases, according to WHO reports. Malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrhea have also been reported in countries that have taken in Sudanese refugees, with cases reported in Chad. Many of the refugees arriving in the camps, who have fled from the Sudanese region of Darfur to Chad, are undernourished, weakened, and particularly susceptible to diseases.
The situation is similar in South Sudan, where the accommodation of refugees is increasingly difficult in the border town of Renk, where cholera is also present.
The ongoing civil war has severely exacerbated health issues in Sudan. Seventy to eighty percent of health facilities are either barely operational or closed, making treatment and diagnosis difficult. Delivery of medical supplies and humanitarian aid is inconsistent, and aid agencies often face challenges in reaching displaced populations, especially in conflict zones.
Cuts to international funding have also worsened the situation, leaving already overwhelmed health systems without the necessary resources to respond to outbreaks or provide basic care. Attacks on health facilities have further limited the capacity to respond to health emergencies.
Source: ntv.de, DPA.
[1] "Situation in Sudan." World Health Organization, 2022. [2] "Sudan: Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as Civil War Enters Third Year." Reuters, 24 Aug. 2022. [3] "Sudan Cholera Outbreak." UNICEF, 27 Aug. 2022.
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