Cholera Outbreak Claims Nearly 100 Lives in Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict

Cholera has resulted in nearly 100 deaths in Sudan’s White Nile State, with 2,700 infections reported since February 20. The outbreak is linked to violence from the Rapid Support Forces, impairing infrastructure and water access. Doctors Without Borders and local health ministries are working to provide resources and clean water amidst this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Cholera has claimed nearly 100 lives in Sudan’s White Nile State over a two-week period, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Since the outbreak began on February 20, around 2,700 individuals have contracted cholera, with 92 reported deaths, including 18 children under nine. The rising cases are connected to ongoing violence from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which intensified attacks in the region last month, affecting access to essential resources.

The RSF’s assault on February 16 severely damaged critical infrastructure, particularly a projectile strike on the Rabak power plant that led to widespread power outages, further exacerbating the cholera crisis. Residents had to rely on water from donkey carts as many water pumps became non-operational. Marta Cazorla, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Sudan, emphasized that “attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities.”

The cholera outbreak peaked from February 20 to 24, straining Kosti Teaching Hospital, which was overwhelmed with severely dehydrated patients. In response, MSF supplied 25 tons of logistical support to accommodate the influx. While early treatment numbers had declined prior to this recent surge, the outbreak has necessitated immediate intervention.

To combat the cholera spread, the White Nile State Health Ministry has been providing clean water access and has prohibited the use of donkey carts for water transportation. Additionally, a vaccination campaign was implemented upon the outbreak’s onset. According to Sudan’s health ministry, as of Tuesday, there have been 57,135 cholera cases reported across 12 of 18 states, resulting in 1,506 deaths. The outbreak was officially declared on August 12, following a spike in cases discovered from July 22 onwards.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 20,000 fatalities, with many more likely uncounted. The war has displaced over 14 million people, contributing to famine conditions and various disease outbreaks, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

In summary, the cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State has resulted in nearly 100 deaths, following violence that disrupted water supply systems. Efforts by MSF and local health authorities, including vaccination campaigns and improved water access, aim to mitigate the crisis amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict and humanitarian struggles. This situation highlights the importance of stable infrastructure in maintaining public health in regions affected by warfare.

Original Source: www.voanews.com