Recent data reveals that a cholera outbreak in Southern Sudan has led to 70 deaths and over 2,200 infections within a week. This outbreak is concentrated in Kosti, exacerbated by a lack of clean water following recent conflicts. The ongoing civil war has severely hindered healthcare services, increasing the urgency for humanitarian aid. UNICEF warns of the lasting impact on children and emphasizes the need for improved sanitation and health services.
A cholera outbreak in Southern Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals and has infected over 2,200 people in the past week, as reported by Save the Children, referencing health ministry statistics. The outbreak, centered in Kosti, White Nile state, follows a drone strike on the Um Dabakar power station, which has severely impacted access to clean water.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan, now approaching its second year, has devastated the healthcare infrastructure, leading to considerable challenges in managing public health crises. Save the Children noted that approximately 2,243 cases of cholera have been reported, with an alarming average of about 400 new cases daily in Kosti.
Since the beginning of the outbreak last August, Sudan has documented more than 55,000 cholera cases and over 1,400 fatalities. UNICEF, citing health ministry data, indicated that about 2,700 cholera cases, including over 500 among children, were recorded in White Nile from January 1 to February 25.
Sheldon Yett, a representative from UNICEF in Sudan, expressed concern about the continued risk to children amidst the conflict, stating that, “The continued destruction of critical humanitarian infrastructure has left no child safe in this war.” He emphasized the necessity of access to clean water and sanitation to prevent further spread of the disease.
The war in Sudan, which initiated in April 2023, has heavily compromised the country’s civilian infrastructure and medical facilities, with around 80 percent of hospitals now non-operational. Those still functioning are experiencing critical shortages of medical supplies, exacerbating the public health emergency.
The cholera outbreak in Southern Sudan has become a grave public health crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing civil war and the destruction of healthcare infrastructure. The rapid increase in cases and deaths highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to restore access to clean water and sanitation. Without such measures, the outbreak and its devastating impact on the population, particularly children, are likely to persist.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
