Sudan is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis due to war, leading to a collapse of the healthcare system and a rise in cholera and dengue fever cases. Over 28,000 cholera cases and 836 deaths have been reported since July, with Kassala being the hardest-hit state. Concurrently, alarming food shortages have increased malnutrition rates above famine thresholds, affecting many internally displaced persons.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely impacted the country, leading to a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. Amidst this chaos, there has been a significant rise in cholera and dengue fever cases, with over 28,000 cholera infections and 836 fatalities reported since July. The rainy season exacerbated the situation, contaminating water sources and facilitating the spread of these diseases. Kassala is notably the most affected state.
The Ministry of Health identified a new wave of cholera in mid-August, prompting health authorities and humanitarian organizations to act. Efforts include a vaccination campaign targeting approximately 1.4 million individuals in affected regions. Concurrently, humanitarian groups have raised alarms about critical food shortages, linking this desperation to ongoing blockades and violent clashes in areas like El Fasher in North Darfur.
The humanitarian crisis is further evidenced by alarming malnutrition rates in camps such as Zamzam, where conditions have deteriorated to famine levels. Continuing hostilities have restricted the delivery of essential supplies, impacting the health of thousands and jeopardizing vaccinations and healthcare for children. An estimated 80 percent of health facilities in conflict zones are non-functional due to shortages and attacks by armed groups, significantly hindering the medical response.
Attacks on healthcare workers and facilities have drastically increased, with 116 incidents reported since April, resulting in numerous casualties. Despite these challenges, aid organizations are striving to assist millions within the country and beyond.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is critical due to the ongoing civil war, which has displaced over 11 million people domestically and approximately 3 million internationally. The conflict has severely disrupted the healthcare infrastructure and critical supply lines, exacerbating food insecurity and heightening the risk of diseases such as cholera and dengue fever. The heavy rainy seasons have contributed to flooding, compromising the quality of drinking water and promoting disease outbreaks.
In summary, Sudan faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis marked by the surge of communicable diseases amid a collapsing healthcare system and alarming food shortages. The international community must respond urgently to the medical and food needs of the population, while also ensuring the protection of healthcare workers and facilities amidst the ongoing conflict. A cooperative effort is essential to reverse the devastating impacts of war on public health and food security.
Original Source: news.un.org
