Cholera Outbreak in Sudan Claims 70 Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict

A cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has resulted in 70 deaths and over 2,200 infections over the last week. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing civil conflict, leading to significant disruptions in healthcare and clean water access. UNICEF reports a high incidence of cases among children, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian aid. Without intervention, the outbreak is likely to escalate further.

In southern Sudan, a cholera outbreak has led to at least 70 fatalities and over 2,200 infections within just a week, as reported by Save the Children based on health ministry information. The outbreak particularly affects Kosti, White Nile state’s capital, exacerbated by a drone strike on the Um Dabakar power station that has hindered access to clean water. This situation unfolds amid a devastating civil war that has lasted nearly two years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and over 12 million people displaced.

Save the Children noted that approximately 2,200 individuals, including children, are currently battling cholera in Kosti, with the health ministry citing 2,243 confirmed cases and an alarming average of 400 cases daily. The organization reported that the cholera outbreak has caused at least 70 deaths from February 20 to 26 alone. Since the outbreak began in August 2022, Sudan has recorded over 55,000 cholera cases and more than 1,400 related deaths, according to the health ministry.

According to UNICEF, about 2,700 cholera cases have been documented in White Nile from January 1 to February 25, with over 500 of these affecting children. UNICEF’s representative to Sudan, Sheldon Yett, emphasized the devastating impact of war on children’s safety in relation to cholera outbreaks. He warned that without adequate access to clean water and hygiene resources, as well as proper information on prevention, the cholera situation is expected to worsen.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has severely damaged the country’s civil infrastructure and healthcare facilities. Roughly 80% of hospitals are non-functional, and those that remain open are critically short on medical supplies necessary to combat public health crises like cholera.

The cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has led to significant fatalities and infections, particularly in Kosti. The conflict has devastated healthcare systems, leaving civilians vulnerable to disease. Immediate measures are required to improve access to clean water and sanitation to prevent further spread of cholera and protect public health.

Original Source: www.newarab.com