Dengue fever outbreak worsens in Khartoum Bahri amidst healthcare collapse

July 1, 2024 (KHARTOUM BAHRI) – The Emergency Room in Khartoum Bahri has reported more than 15 new cases of dengue fever, signalling a worsening health crisis due to a severe shortage of medicines in the area.

The volunteer-run emergency room in Khartoum Bahri, the third-largest city in Khartoum state, previously reported 384 suspected cases of dengue fever in April.

A member of the Halfaya Emergency Room told Sudan Tribune on Monday that over 15 cases of dengue fever have been recorded among civilians in the past week, with additional cases emerging among Rapid Support Forces (RSF) personnel stationed in the area.

He confirmed the rapid spread of the epidemic in recent days and fears of a deteriorating health situation given the lack of access to medicines.

The Emergency Room faces significant challenges, including the closure of the health centre, a shortage of intravenous fluids, painkillers, and other essential medicines, and the absence of a pharmacy in the area since the war began. Additionally, the RSF is preventing ambulances from transporting patients for testing.

The nearest hospital capable of treating patients is the International Hospital in the Al-Moasassa neighbourhood, which is difficult to access due to RSF control in the area.

The health situation is dire, with an estimated 80% of hospitals in conflict zones closed, severely limiting the healthcare system’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks.