Cholera Outbreak Claims Nearly 100 Lives in Sudan’s White Nile State

In Sudan’s White Nile State, nearly 100 people have died from a cholera outbreak over two weeks, with 2,700 infected. Ongoing conflict has destroyed vital infrastructure, complicating access to clean water. MSF reports a surge in patients overwhelming local hospitals, prompting emergency responses from health authorities to manage the crisis.

In recent weeks, nearly one hundred individuals succumbed to cholera within a fortnight due to an outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State, as reported by the international aid organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Since February 20, approximately 2,700 people have contracted the illness, with 92 deaths recorded, including 18 children among the deceased.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, now nearing two years, has intensified tensions between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in severe humanitarian crises. In a recently intensified assault, hundreds of civilians, including infants, lost their lives in White Nile State as the RSF targeted crucial infrastructure, including a power plant, causing significant disruptions to basic services and water supply.

Access to clean water has drastically declined, forcing residents to rely on contaminated supplies obtained from donkey carts following the destruction of water pumps. Marta Cazarola, an MSF emergency coordinator, highlighted, “Attacks on critical infrastructure have long-term detrimental effects on the health of vulnerable communities.”

Cholera cases peaked from February 20-24 as overwhelmed patients flocked to Kosti Teaching Hospital. In response, MSF supplied logistical assistance, including beds and tents, to manage the influx. However, Cazarola noted a sizeable drop in cholera cases prior to this latest outbreak.

The White Nile State Health Ministry has taken preventive measures by ensuring access to clean water and ceasing the use of donkey carts for water transportation. A vaccination campaign was also implemented promptly after the outbreak was identified. According to the Sudanese health ministry, there have been 57,135 cholera cases and 1,506 deaths recorded across twelve out of eighteen states since an outbreak was declared last year. The civil unrest has exacerbated the public health crisis, with an estimated 20,000 fatalities in the ongoing conflict and over 14 million displaced individuals.

The cholera outbreak in Sudan’s White Nile State underscores the dire consequences of ongoing conflict and infrastructure attacks on public health. The response from health authorities, including vaccination efforts and access to clean water, highlights the need for immediate action to curb this humanitarian crisis. As cholera continues to threaten vulnerable populations, the situation remains critical amid the war’s devastating toll on the country.

Original Source: www.usnews.com