Over 1400 suspected cases, 64 Cholera deaths in Sudan: WHO
October 19, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – At least 1,457 suspected cholera cases and 64 associated deaths have been reported from four states of Sudan as of 17 October, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
This comes after the country declared outbreaks of the disease in Gedaref State on September 26 as well as in Khartoum and South Kordofan states on October 7, 2023. Other suspected cases have also been reported from Al-Jazirah state.
The outbreak comes at a time that Sudan’s health care system is stretched to the limit, with about 70% of hospitals in conflict-affected states are non-functional. Also, facilities in the non-conflict affected states are overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people.
According to the WHO, a visit by partners to a Cholera Isolation Centre in Gedaref Teaching Hospital found that the delayed arrival of patients at hospitals may have contributed to the high number of deaths.
In addition, humanitarian agencies have scaled up response to the Cholera outbreak.
Surveillance is ongoing in affected and high-risk areas to identify and address risk factors.
With support from partners, the Ministry of Health is reportedly coordinating efforts to scale up access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and awareness of transmission risks and proper hygiene practices.
WHO also expressed concerns about the situation in Darfur region, with many hospitals reportedly inaccessible and insecurity prevents humanitarian aid from its safe delivery. Nearly half a million people have fled Darfur into Chad, many in immediate need of healthcare, including trauma care.
The agency has so far shipped over 1000 metric tons of health supplies to Sudan with more is on its way.
“We have also launched 21 mobile health clinics to provide services to displaced people in various states,” it noted in a statement, adding “We need the international community to show solidarity now. We need the steadfast commitment and support of our donors to continue to strengthen the response and meet the ever-mounting needs of the people of Sudan”.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. People can get sick when they swallow food or water contaminated with cholera bacteria. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and life-threatening.
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