Cholera Outbreak in Sudan Claims Nearly 100 Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict
Cholera has claimed nearly 100 lives in Sudan’s White Nile State in two weeks, with over 2,700 cases reported by MSF. The outbreak worsened due to recent attacks on infrastructure amid ongoing conflict, leading to severe water supply disruptions. Health authorities are responding with vaccination campaigns and enhanced access to clean water, but the situation remains critical as the war continues to compound health crises.
In a recent report, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF) disclosed that approximately 100 individuals have succumbed to cholera in White Nile State, Sudan, within a two-week span since the outbreak began. The organization confirmed that, as of February 20, over 2,700 cases have been reported, including 92 fatalities, among which 18 were children, highlighting the outbreak’s grave impact on young populations.
The civil conflict that erupted nearly two years ago between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has exacerbated the situation. Recent RSF assaults in White Nile State resulted in extensive civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage. Notably, an attack on February 16 rendered the Rabak power plant non-operational, disrupting water supply and launching a cholera resurgence as residents were forced to depend on water transported by donkey carts.
Cazorla emphasized the lasting negative consequences of targeting essential infrastructure, stating, “Attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities.” During the outbreak’s peak from February 20 to 24, Kosti Teaching Hospital became overwhelmed with patients exhibiting severe dehydration, prompting MSF to provide essential resources, including 25 tons of supplies to support the hospital.
The local health authority has responded by enhancing access to clean water and prohibiting the use of donkey carts for water transport. Vaccination campaigns were also initiated promptly following the outbreak’s declaration. As per the Sudanese health ministry, there have been 57,135 cholera cases with 1,506 deaths reported across twelve states since the outbreak officially began on August 12.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to at least 20,000 confirmed deaths, and the crisis persists with over 14 million displaced individuals, alongside widespread famine and disease outbreaks afflicting the regions.
In conclusion, the cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State underscores the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict and infrastructure damage. The international community and local health authorities are striving to mitigate the impact through vaccination campaigns and improved access to clean water. However, the situation remains grave as the toll from cholera and the war escalates, calling for urgent humanitarian intervention and support.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
