Sudan – The Sudanese authorities announced, on Monday evening, that cholera infections had risen to more than 21,000 cases, including 626 deaths, since last August.
The Ministry of Health reported in a statement that 192 new infections had been recorded in 8 states (which it did not mention) out of 18 states, including two new deaths.
Thus, the number of cholera infections rises to 21,288, including 626 deaths, in 12 states, most notably Kassala, Gedaref, the Red Sea (east), the North, and the Nile River (north), according to the same statement.
She pointed to an increase in infections in the city of Al-Manaqil in Gezira State, and the cities of “Al-Dawim and Al-Qatina” in the White Nile, without specifying new death or infection numbers for those cities.
On Sunday, the Sudanese Ministry of Health announced that deaths due to the cholera epidemic had risen to 603 cases, out of 20,883 infections.
Although the Ministry of Health mentioned in yesterday’s statement that the number of deaths had reached 603 and indicated that it had risen to 626 on Monday, it limited itself to mentioning only two new deaths.
On Saturday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced that it would supply Sudan with 1.4 million doses of vaccines against the cholera epidemic.
On August 12, the Sudanese authorities declared cholera an epidemic in the country.
Cholera is a bacterial disease that is usually spread through contaminated water, causing diarrhea and severe dehydration, and if the infected person is not treated, it can be fatal within hours.
The spread of the epidemic coincides with the continued suffering of the Sudanese people as a result of an ongoing war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, which has left more than 20,000 dead and nearly 10 million displaced and refugees, according to the United Nations.
UN and international calls are increasing to spare Sudan a humanitarian catastrophe that has begun to push millions into famine and death due to food shortages, due to the fighting that has spread to 13 states.
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Cholera Outbreak in Sudan: A Dire Situation Exacerbated by Heavy Rains and Conflict
The recent announcement by the Sudanese authorities that cholera infections have surged to over 21,000 cases with 626 deaths since last August is a stark reminder of the dire situation facing the East African nation. As a blog writer, I analyzed the available information to understand the underlying factors contributing to this outbreak and its implications on the country’s already fragile healthcare system.
Firstly, it is essential to recognize that cholera is a highly infectious but easily treatable diarrheal disease caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae [2]. However, in Sudan’s case, the disease has been exacerbated by heavy rainfall, which has contaminated drinking water sources [3].
According to reports, the heavy rains have not only contaminated water sources but also affected displacement camps, further complicating the situation [1]. The Ministry of Health reported 192 new infections in 8 states, including two new deaths, highlighting the rapid spread of the disease.
The sheer number of cases, with over 21,000 infections and 626 deaths, is a cause for concern. The healthcare system in Sudan is already strained, and the cholera outbreak has placed additional pressure on medical facilities and resources. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in the country has likely disrupted efforts to contain the outbreak, making it more challenging to provide adequate medical care to those affected.
the cholera outbreak in Sudan is a complex and multifaceted issue, driven by a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall, contamination of water sources, and the country’s ongoing conflict. It is essential for the international community to provide support to Sudan in addressing this crisis, particularly in terms of providing medical aid, sanitation facilities, and access to clean water. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to bring this outbreak under control and alleviate the suffering of those affected.
Sources:
[1] - Sudan: Major cholera outbreak as heavy rains hit…
[2] - Cholera – Sudan
[3] – What has caused the cholera outbreak in Sudan?
