WHO reports 300 cholera deaths in Sudan, warns dengue and meningitis rising
WHO reports 300 cholera deaths in Sudan, warns dengue and meningitis rising Al Jazeera English
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Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Exacerbates Disease Outbreaks
Introduction
More than 25 million people across the country face acute hunger as well as outbreaks of disease due to civil war.
Cholera Outbreak and Rising Infections
The humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war in Sudan has exacerbated infections, including cholera, which has killed more than 300 people, a World Health Organization (WHO) official says.
Margaret Harris said on Friday that 11,327 cholera cases and 316 deaths had been reported and dengue fever and meningitis infections were also on the rise.
“We expect to have more than has been reported,” she added.
According to the WHO, the recent outbreaks of cholera have also been more deadly with fatality rates being the highest recorded in more than a decade.
Cholera is caused by a bacteria spread in contaminated food and water, and access to clean water and sanitation are important to stop its spread.
The disease can kill within hours without treatment although it can also cause mild or no symptoms. Children under five are at particular risk.
Impact of Civil War and Displacement
The fighting in Sudan has forced one in five people in the country to flee their homes, and the violence has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands.
Due to the mass displacement, more than 25 million people across the country, or more than half Sudan’s population, face acute hunger and outbreaks of disease. Famine has also been declared in a Darfur displacement camp, and humanitarian aid is hard to come by.
Aside from those displaced within Sudan, millions of people have also been forced to flee to Chad, the Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
To complicate the situation, thousands of Sudanese have been displaced by the recent floods in Nile State and in Kassala, which lies on the border with Eritrea.
Efforts for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
War has raged in the country since April 2023 between the Sudanese army under the country’s de facto ruler, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by his former deputy Mohamed “Hemedti” Hamdan Daglo.
The United States, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations are trying to steer the Sudanese army and the RSF into ceasefire talks.
The talks in Switzerland, which also involve experts and civil society representatives, are aimed at achieving a cessation of hostilities and humanitarian access.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round | – More than 25 million people across the country, or more than half Sudan’s population, face acute hunger and outbreaks of disease – Famine has been declared in a Darfur displacement camp |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases | – Cholera cases and deaths reported – Dengue fever and meningitis infections on the rise |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | – Cholera is caused by a bacteria spread in contaminated food and water, highlighting the importance of access to clean water and sanitation to stop its spread |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations | – Thousands of Sudanese have been displaced by recent floods in Nile State and in Kassala, highlighting the impact of water-related disasters on vulnerable populations |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere | – The United States, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations are trying to steer the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into ceasefire talks, aiming to achieve a cessation of hostilities |
Source: aljazeera.com
