Sudan’s war claims lives of over 1,500 Civilians: minister
August 31, 2023 (KHARTOUM)- Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, the Federal Minister of Health, has brought to light a sombre statistic, disclosing that the ongoing conflict has led to the loss of life for at least 1,500 civilians.
With the onset of the rainy season, apprehensions are intensifying over the potential outbreak of an epidemic, exacerbated by the disturbing spectacle of corpses strewn across Khartoum’s streets for an extended period spanning four months.
The predicament has substantially affected Sudan’s healthcare infrastructure, rendering 80% of health facilities inoperable due to bombings, enforced evacuations, and an acute scarcity of medical provisions.
Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim conveyed during an interview with the “Sudan Tribune” on Wednesday that the Ministry of Health has formally recorded “1,500 civilian fatalities and more than 6,000 individuals wounded as a consequence of the conflict.”
The Minister anticipated that the actual count of casualties might surpass the officially reported numbers, given the intricate circumstances that prevent numerous cases from reaching hospitals or morgues.
Compelled by the crisis, citizens have resorted to unconventional burial methods, providing a final resting place for victims within homes and even on public streets, squares, and neighbourhoods. The ongoing hostilities have rendered departing for or accessing cemeteries impractical.
Human rights organizations have raised the alarm, indicating that the death toll resulting from the war in Sudan could potentially exceed three thousand, with many of the deceased being interred directly, bypassing medical facilities.
As the nation wrestles with this devastating scenario, the rising casualty count serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent necessity for a ceasefire and coordinated global aid to alleviate the escalating human and health crisis.
Epidemic concerns arise
Amidst the ongoing challenges, the Minister expressed apprehensions regarding potential epidemic outbreaks resulting from the widespread presence of corpses in various states, particularly in the capital city, Khartoum, and the Darfur region. He emphasized the grave consequences of these corpses affecting rainwater and highlighted their potential to trigger numerous epidemics.
Following his visit to certain districts within Khartoum State, the Minister observed the absence of bodies in some densely populated neighbourhoods. However, he cautioned that this observation doesn’t eliminate the lurking dangers, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant.
Emphasizing the significance of averting these risks to prevent environmental repercussions across several Sudanese states, the Minister underscored additional environmental threats that coincide with the onset of the fall season. These threats encompass diseases like diarrhoea and the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors and mosquitoes.
In South Kordofan, instances of watery diarrhoea were reported, although swift treatment was possible due to the state’s ample supply of intravenous solutions.
Regarding measles, the Minister disclosed that over 3,000 cases had been documented in eight distinct states, resulting in 58 fatalities. The White Nile and the Blue Nile states were notably affected.
In response to the measles outbreak, vaccination campaigns were initiated in the Blue Nile and White Nile regions. The efforts were conducted in collaboration with international organizations including UNICEF, World Health, and Doctors Without Borders.
Elaborating on the significance of routine vaccinations, the Minister acknowledged that halting such campaigns could exacerbate the prevalence of childhood diseases, particularly measles. However, he noted that a substantial supply of routine vaccinations had been received in cooperation with UNICEF. He expressed optimism about bolstering vaccination rates in states with lower rates, contingent upon the stabilization of security situations.
The Minister highlighted the widespread distribution of malaria vectors across all Sudanese states, alongside dengue fever vectors present in ten states. Tackling these vectors necessitates a community-wide effort due to their intimate connection with the environment, which facilitates their extensive propagation.
Anticipating a substantial surge, the minister projected a significant escalation in the tally of malaria cases, surpassing the customary rates due to the extensive proliferation of vector mosquitoes across the country as the rainy season draws to a close.
Hospital dilemma and medication shortages
The Minister highlighted the repercussions faced by the populace due to the inoperability of hospitals in conflict zones, particularly prominent in Khartoum, Central and West Darfur, with partial closures noted in South Darfur.
Drawing attention to the situation, the Minister noted the gradual restoration of hospital services in Khartoum, a region equipped with 42 hospitals, 56 healthcare centres, and 14 dialysis centres.
“While central and reference hospitals in Khartoum suffered losses, some essential services have been reinstated in areas like Gezira State, which boasts substantial hospitals specialized in heart, oncology, gastrointestinal care, and orthopaedics,” he elaborated.
In regard to assessing the extent of damage inflicted upon hospitals in Khartoum, the Minister indicated a lack of specific statistics but emphasized the severity of the impact, with numerous crucial devices and equipment lost.
Addressing health care provisions in Darfur, the Minister highlighted the suspension of services due to security concerns, particularly in Central, South, and West Darfur states.
“The entire health system is grappling with challenges, reflecting the nation’s struggles. Shelter centres are dispersed across the Sudan, with some encountering issues of overcrowding. To aid the situation, several organizations have rolled out mobile, direct, and complimentary clinic services,” stated Haitham Muhammad Ibrahim.
Providing insight into the healthcare burden, the Minister noted the presence of 8,000 kidney patients in Khartoum requiring 72,000 monthly dialysis sessions, amounting to around $2.5 million over a three-month period. He acknowledged the existing assistance from countries as insufficient to cover this substantial requirement, prompting collaborative efforts with partners coordinated by the Ministry of Finance.
With the aim of alleviating the scarcity, he expected the arrival of necessary supplies by mid-September.
He further acknowledged the acute shortage of kidney disease medications, revealing ongoing initiatives to address this concern through collaborations with entities such as Qatar Charity and other donors. The focus remains on bridging the gap, given the prevailing challenge of dwindling kidney dialysis resources across various centres, he stressed.
(ST)