Has Sudan Received 2.9 Million Cholera Vaccine Doses Amid Rising Cases?

Synopsis
In an urgent response to a rising cholera outbreak, Sudan has received over 2.9 million vaccine doses, particularly aimed at addressing the situation in Khartoum. This initiative highlights the collaboration of national health authorities and international organizations in combating this public health crisis.
Key Takeaways
- Sudan received over 2.9 million cholera vaccine doses.
- The outbreak has particularly affected Khartoum State.
- International organizations have played a crucial role in vaccine provision.
- A vaccination campaign is set to target all residents aged one and above.
- The situation is exacerbated by ongoing conflicts and infrastructure damage.
Khartoum, May 31 (NationPress) The Sudanese Ministry of Health has disclosed that it has obtained over 2.9 million doses of the cholera vaccine in response to a significant increase in cases, particularly in the capital, Khartoum.
The ministry stated, "A total of 2,905,400 cholera vaccine doses have been secured as part of the ongoing efforts to address the cholera outbreak affecting Sudan, especially in Khartoum State." This announcement was made on Friday.
These vaccines were generously donated by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, with backing from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Arriving in the eastern city of Port Sudan, the vaccines are set to be transported to Khartoum State, where a comprehensive vaccination campaign is expected to commence shortly, targeting all individuals aged one and older, as per the ministry's statement.
Since October 2023, Sudan has received over 16.9 million doses of the cholera vaccine through collaborative efforts between the Sudanese health authorities and the ICG.
Earlier this week, Sudanese Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim reported a significant uptick in cholera cases in Khartoum, with at least 2,500 cases recorded in May alone.
On Tuesday, the ministry announced 2,729 new infections and 172 deaths in just one week, with a staggering 90 percent of these cases concentrated in Khartoum State.
The medical aid organization Doctors Without Borders noted that disruptions to electricity and water services throughout much of Khartoum State have exacerbated the spread of cholera, forcing residents to depend on unsafe water sources.
In Khartoum State, particularly in the city of Omdurman, there has been an increase in assaults by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including a recent drone strike on three power stations on May 15, which resulted in a citywide power outage lasting approximately 10 days.
United Nations agencies have previously cautioned that escalating strikes on civilian infrastructures, such as power stations, are hindering access to electricity and clean water for millions throughout the nation, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a fierce conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, both within Sudan and across its borders.