Cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have surged, with death rates reaching three times the global average. In Sudan, the CFR is at 3.1%, while Nigeria reports a fatality rate of 2.9%. Climate-induced flooding and conflict hinder access to treatment, particularly affecting children under five. Save the Children is responding with relief efforts, stressing the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and support from governments and donors.
ABUJA/KHARTOUM, 4 October 2024 – Recent cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have intensified, with death rates reaching up to three times the global average, severely endangering thousands of children. Save the Children has reported that in Sudan, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stands at 3.1 deaths per 100 confirmed cases, significantly exceeding the acceptable minimum standard of 1%. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s cholera outbreak has resulted in a fatality rate of 2.9%. The ongoing crises in these regions stem from unprecedented flooding and conflict exacerbated by climate change, impacting over 4.4 million people in West and Central Africa and more than 2 million in Eastern Africa in 2024. The combination of flooding, contaminated water, and lack of proper sanitation has led to a surge in cholera cases, which, though treatable, remain inadequately managed due to the disruption of healthcare services caused by ongoing violence. In Sudan alone, over 17,600 cholera cases and 546 related deaths were reported from July 22 to September 29, with children under five accounting for 15% of these cases. In Nigeria, massive displacement caused by flooding has affected 29 out of the 36 states, with over 450 cases and 32 deaths confirmed by October 1. The situation is predicted to deteriorate further as October rains continue. Emergency interventions by Save the Children include monitoring and treating cholera cases, improving access to clean drinking water, and providing essential supplies to affected families. Given the rising fatalities among children and the overwhelming burden on healthcare systems, calls for urgent government and donor support are increasing. This alarming situation highlights the need for improved infrastructure and hygiene practices to mitigate cholera outbreaks effectively. Save the Children is actively working in both Sudan and Nigeria to address these pressing health issues through various support measures aimed at vulnerable populations.
The escalation of cholera cases in Sudan and Nigeria is rooted in compounded factors such as ongoing conflict, climate change, and inadequate healthcare access. Flooding events have been particularly devastating, increasing waterborne diseases like cholera. The combination of these challenges is leading to significantly high mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations such as children under five years old, who are facing malnutrition and weakened immune systems that complicate their recovery from diseases.
In conclusion, the cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria present a humanitarian crisis requiring immediate and systematic interventions. With death rates substantially above global averages and many children at risk, the necessity of comprehensive healthcare support, improved water and sanitation infrastructure, and targeted relief efforts has never been more critical. Continued advocacy for international aid and proper medical resources is essential to combat these preventable deaths.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
