Stray dog attacks injure 23, including 11 children, in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state
June 6, 2026 (WAD MEDANI) – At least 23 people, including 11 children, were injured after being bitten by stray dogs in the Al-Awadiya area of Al Jazirah state, the regional ministry of health said on Saturday.
Residents across several areas have reported a rise in stray dog populations during the ongoing war due to a decline in sanitation services, lack of veterinary oversight, and disruptions to local municipal operations, heightening fears of rabies transmission.
The ministry said in a statement that the attacks took place in the Um Al-Qura locality, situated in the eastern part of Al Jazirah state.
The injured individuals received emergency medical care at the Um Al-Qura hospital, while four cases were transferred to Wad Medani for further treatment. All victims were administered the rabies vaccine in accordance with approved health protocols.
The health ministry has dispatched 200 additional doses of the rabies vaccine to the Um Al-Qura locality to ensure completion of preventive doses for the injured and maintain an adequate reserve for potential new cases.
A rapid response team conducted a field visit to the Al-Awadiya area to conduct a health investigation and assess the situation.
Local authorities have launched a campaign to control the stray dog population in coordination with the police, while residents have succeeded in killing four stray dogs in the area.
An emergency meeting was held involving the executive director of the Um Al-Qura locality alongside representatives from health affairs, animal resources, police, and legal counsel, resulting in the formation of a joint committee to manage the situation.
The director general of the Al Jazirah state ministry of health, Osama Abd al-Rahman Ahmed al-Faki, said the ministry is monitoring the health situation on the ground while increasing public awareness campaigns.
Al-Faki urged citizens to immediately report any dog bites or sightings of stray dogs and to head directly to the nearest health facility to avoid fatal complications from rabies.