How is Sudan Strengthening Anti-Cholera Efforts with 90% of New Cases in Khartoum?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Emergency measures are being implemented in Sudan to tackle the cholera outbreak.
- 90% of new cases are reported in Khartoum State.
- Establishment of 13 isolation centres to manage patient care.
- A vaccination campaign aims to reach 3 million residents.
- Public health campaigns are essential for community awareness.
Khartoum, May 29 (NationPress) Sudanese health officials have initiated urgent actions to address a recent spike in cholera cases across the nation, with a staggering 90% of new infections reported in Khartoum State.
Federal Health Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim detailed several key measures, including the creation of isolation facilities, procurement of medical supplies, ensuring safe drinking water, and initiating public health campaigns.
"Local authorities in Khartoum should amplify public education efforts to motivate residents to maintain proper hand hygiene before and after meals, treat drinking water effectively, dispose of waste properly, and take actions to minimize fly populations," he stated on Wednesday.
Fath Al-Rahman Mohamed Al-Amin, director-general of the Khartoum State Ministry of Health, confirmed the establishment of 13 isolation centres across key hospitals.
"These centres are designed to ensure readiness for isolating patients and curbing the spread of the disease," Al-Amin remarked.
A vaccination initiative aimed at individuals aged one year and older commenced on Wednesday, achieving 26% of its first-day target with 30,204 individuals vaccinated, according to the Sudanese Ministry of Health. This represents the first phase in a broader campaign to immunize 3 million residents in Khartoum State.
The ministry's epidemiological report released on Wednesday indicated an improvement in recovery rates among cholera patients in Khartoum's isolation centres, with 530 patients discharged recently.
On Tuesday, health officials reported a significant increase in cholera cases nationwide, with 2,729 infections and 172 fatalities recorded within just one week.
As per Sudan's Federal Emergency Operations Centre, the cumulative cholera cases in the nation had soared to 60,993 as of May 6, including 1,632 deaths, as reported by Xinhua.
The World Health Organization notes that cholera has been a global concern for centuries. The first pandemic was documented in the 19th century. Since then, six pandemics have claimed millions of lives worldwide, with the current (seventh) pandemic originating from South Asia affecting populations globally.