Cholera Epidemic Claims 83 Lives in Sudan's White Nile State Within Three Days: NGOs
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A cholera outbreak in Sudan's White Nile State has resulted in 83 fatalities and nearly 1,200 infections in just three days. NGOs are calling for urgent action amid severe healthcare shortages and alarming infection rates. Local authorities are responding with vaccination campaigns and water safety measures.
Key Takeaways
- 83 deaths reported due to cholera outbreak.
- 1,197 confirmed infections, with 259 recoveries.
- Health authorities urged to increase treatment centers.
- MSF reports overwhelming patient influx at treatment facilities.
- Cholera vaccination campaign initiated in Kosti and Rabak.
Khartoum, Feb 23 (NationPress) A minimum of 83 individuals have succumbed to a cholera epidemic in Sudan's White Nile State over the last 72 hours, as reported by local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The Sudanese Doctors Network disclosed in a statement on Saturday, "The cholera outbreak in White Nile has led to 83 fatalities, while 1,197 others have contracted the illness, with 259 recoveries noted as of yesterday (Friday)."
Labeling the situation as catastrophic, the network has urged health officials to establish more treatment centers to manage the growing number of cases amidst a critical shortage of hospital beds, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The organization also called for local authorities to boost public awareness campaigns, disinfect marketplaces, prohibit traditional water distribution methods, and distribute chlorine in areas without adequate water systems.
Furthermore, the local volunteer group, Nidaa Al-Wasat Platform, cautioned that the health situation in Kosti, a significant city in White Nile State, is rapidly deteriorating, with over 800 cholera cases and numerous related fatalities reported.
In a separate press release, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed that "dozens have perished, and over 800 individuals exhibiting symptoms of acute watery diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, and sunken eyes are receiving treatment at the cholera treatment center in Kosti Teaching Hospital, supported by MSF."
They noted that the initial 100 patients arrived at the treatment center on Wednesday night, with numbers exceeding 800 by Friday afternoon.
"The situation is alarming and risks spiraling out of control," stated Francis Layoo Ocan, MSF's medical coordinator in Kosti, as quoted in the press release.
"The cholera treatment center is continually admitting critically ill patients. We are out of space and are now treating patients in an open area due to insufficient beds," he added.
Ocan expressed concerns that if the current trend continues, they will face a depletion of medical supplies, potentially overwhelming the medical teams.
MSF has appealed for support from other organizations to help address this emergency, highlighting that the White Nile River is likely the source of infection.
On February 16, the state's Um-Dabakir power station was struck by drones, impacting water facilities in nearby major cities and forcing residents to source water from the White Nile River using animal-drawn carts.
Local authorities have implemented various measures to combat the cholera outbreak, including banning water collection from the river, enhancing chlorination in the water supply system, and shutting down markets and most eateries in the state.
Additionally, on Saturday, Sudan's Health Ministry announced the initiation of a cholera vaccination drive in White Nile, targeting residents aged one and older in Kosti and Rabak cities.
As per the ministry, cholera infection cases in the country since last summer have reached 53,735, with 1,430 deaths reported.
White Nile has been facing increased assaults by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with the latest significant attack occurring in the villages surrounding the state’s al-Gitaina area, resulting in the deaths of 433 civilians, as reported by the government on February 18.
The RSF has been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces for nearly two years, leading to substantial casualties, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of millions.
