Sudan is facing a severe cholera outbreak, with at least 70 deaths and over 2,200 infections reported in the past week, as highlighted by Save the Children. This situation arose following a disruption in clean water access due to a drone strike on critical infrastructure. Sudan’s longstanding civil war has severely crippled its healthcare system, raising urgent concerns for the population’s safety, particularly among children.
In the past week, Sudan has experienced a devastating cholera outbreak, resulting in at least 70 fatalities and over 2,200 infections, particularly in southern Sudan. The crisis, as reported by Save the Children, follows a drone strike on the Um Dabakar power station, which has severely impacted access to clean water in the region. Amid a civil war that has lasted nearly two years, Sudan’s healthcare system is in a dire state, with more than 12 million people displaced and tens of thousands dead.
The humanitarian organization’s statement highlighted that children are among those affected by the outbreak in Kosti, which has witnessed an average of approximately 400 cholera cases daily. The health ministry, aligned with the military, reported these statistics from February 20 to February 26. Since the outbreak’s commencement in August of last year, the country has documented over 55,000 cholera cases and more than 1,400 fatalities, underscoring the ongoing public health crisis.
UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency, has echoed concerns regarding the cholera situation, noting around 2,700 cases reported in White Nile from January 1 to February 25, with over 500 of those cases involving children. Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s representative to Sudan, stated that the persistent destruction of humanitarian infrastructure has jeopardized the safety of children in the region. He emphasized that without access to clean water and essential hygiene services, the spread of cholera will continue unabated.
The war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has had catastrophic consequences for the country’s healthcare system. Currently, approximately 80 percent of hospitals are non-operational, and those that remain open are critically short of necessary medical supplies, leaving the population vulnerable to health crises like cholera.
The cholera outbreak in Sudan highlights the severe health crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict, with a staggering number of deaths and widespread infections reported in the past week alone. Access to clean water and healthcare remains crucial in combating this outbreak, particularly for vulnerable children. Urgent humanitarian efforts are necessary to provide essential services and mitigate further loss of life.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
