Malaria, dengue outbreak threatens thousands in Khartoum suburb

September 17, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – A severe outbreak of malaria and dengue fever is threatening the lives of thousands of residents in the “Buri” suburb east of Khartoum, citizens said on Tuesday.

The area has been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since the early days of the conflict in Sudan. The ongoing fighting has made it impossible to deliver humanitarian aid or commercial goods to the area, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.

Residents report that the lack of access to basic medicines and medical supplies is making it difficult to treat those infected. They have issued urgent pleas for assistance, calling for medical equipment and mosquito nets to prevent the further spread of the disease.

In addition to the health crisis, Buri is also facing a severe food shortage. Residents are relying on food provided by volunteers from emergency relief groups.

Like many other parts of Khartoum, the suburb has been without communication and internet services since February. Large swathes of the capital also continue to experience power outages, with some areas going without electricity for a full year.