Cholera Outbreak Claims Lives in Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict

Nearly 100 individuals have died from cholera in Sudan’s White Nile State in two weeks, with 2,700 infections reported. The outbreak follows recent assaults by the RSF, leading to infrastructure damage and worsening public health conditions. Authorities are implementing measures to control the outbreak amid ongoing conflict, which has caused widespread suffering and instability.

According to an international aid organization, nearly 100 individuals succumbed to cholera in Sudan’s White Nile State within a span of two weeks since the outbreak commenced. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported on Thursday that approximately 2,700 people have contracted the disease since February 20, resulting in 92 fatalities, including 18 children under the age of 9.

The conflict in Sudan, which escalated almost two years ago between the Sudanese military and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has exacerbated the situation. Recently, the RSF intensified attacks in White Nile State, leading to numerous civilian deaths, including infants. The military has claimed some territorial advancements in the region, disrupting vital supply routes.

MSF reported that an RSF attack on February 16 targeted the Rabak power plant, leading to significant power outages and precipitating the cholera outbreak. This forced residents to rely on water from donkey carts due to non-functional water pumps. MSF’s emergency coordinator, Marta Cazorla, underscored the long-term adverse health effects of assaults on essential infrastructure.

The cholera outbreak reached its peak between February 20 and 24, overwhelming Kosti Teaching Hospital with severely dehydrated patients. MSF intervened by delivering 25 tons of essential supplies, including beds and tents, to accommodate the influx of patients. Cazorla noted a recent decline in cholera patients prior to this resurgence.

In response to the outbreak, the White Nile State Health Ministry is facilitating access to clean water and has prohibited the use of donkey carts for water transport. They also initiated a vaccination campaign immediately following the outbreak. Additionally, the Sudanese health ministry stated that there are 57,135 cholera cases and 1,506 deaths reported across 12 states, with an official cholera alert given on August 12 after a surge of cases since July.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in at least 20,000 deaths and displaced over 14 million people, causing widespread famine and leading to various disease outbreaks.

In summary, the cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State has claimed nearly 100 lives and resulted in thousands of infections within a brief period. The ongoing conflict, particularly the recent RSF attacks, has severely compromised infrastructure and living conditions, exacerbating public health crises. The response from local health authorities and international aid groups underscores the urgent need for support and resources amid these dire circumstances.

Original Source: www.voanews.com