Cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria are experiencing death rates that have surged to nearly three times the global average, severely affecting thousands of children. Conflict and flooding have dramatically hindered access to necessary treatment. The situation demands urgent action to prevent widespread fatalities, with Save the Children indicating significant rises in cases and a collapse of healthcare infrastructure in both regions.
ABUJA/KHARTOUM, 4 October 2024 – The cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have reached alarming levels, with death rates rising to nearly three times the global average, thereby jeopardizing the lives of thousands of children as the number of cases continues to increase due to conflict and flooding impeding access to essential treatment, according to Save the Children. Recent statistics from Sudan indicate a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 3.1 deaths for every 100 confirmed cases, which significantly exceeds the minimum standard CFR of 1%. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s outbreak presents a CFR of 2.9%, also nearly tripling the acceptable limits. The unprecedented flooding in approximately 16 countries across West, Central, and East Africa, exacerbated by the adverse effects of climate change, is producing dire consequences. As reported by the United Nations, floods have directly impacted over 4.4 million individuals in West and Central Africa and more than 2 million individuals in Eastern Africa this year alone. Floodwaters have contributed to water contamination and the degradation of sanitation systems, which in turn precipitates a surge in cholera cases— a disease that is treatable with adequate healthcare provisions, which remains inaccessible in various regions of Sudan and Nigeria, resulting in elevated fatality rates, with children under five being particularly vulnerable. Between July 22 and September 29, Sudan registered over 17,600 cholera cases and 546 deaths across 60 localities in ten states, as documented by the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak is driven by a harrowing combination of nearly 18 months of violence which has devastated healthcare facilities, compounded by flooding and unclean water supplies. Approximately 80% of hospitals in Sudan have ceased operations, and those that remain functional do so without necessary medical supplies. Reports from Save the Children indicate a worrying spike in cholera cases among children under five in locations such as El Damer and Gedarif, where they represent 15% of total confirmed cases and deaths. In Nigeria, the outbreak correlates with extensive displacement caused by severe flooding affecting 29 out of the country’s 36 states, primarily in the north. As of October 1, more than 450 cholera cases had been confirmed in Nigeria, resulting in 32 deaths, with children comprising 37% of the confirmed cases. The ongoing rains in northern Nigeria are expected to exacerbate flooding and displacement issues. Mohamed Abdiladif, the Interim Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, remarked, “A lack of vital medicines, combined with hunger and malnutrition, is putting millions of children at risk of diseases and possible death. Our health teams across the country are telling us that most of the child cholera deaths are from other complications due to weakened immune systems due to malnutrition.” In a similar tone, Duncan Harvey, Country Director for Save the Children in Nigeria, stated, “Cholera outbreaks are preventable with proper infrastructure and hygiene practices. But the flooding in Nigeria is making life worse for the most vulnerable, especially the children in northeast Nigeria.” In response to the escalating situation, Save the Children has been engaged in various initiatives, including monitoring water quality and providing chlorination at 35 water sources in Sudan’s Sawakin locality. In Gedaref State, they are treating cholera cases and ensuring the availability of safe drinking water at treatment centers. In Nigeria, the organization is distributing relief supplies, medical kits, and cholera treatment kits across the most affected states, alongside efforts to transport clean water to flood-displaced communities. This urgent humanitarian crisis underscores the critical need for immediate governmental and donor responses to safeguard the health of vulnerable populations, particularly children.
The cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria are exacerbated by a combination of factors including extreme weather conditions attributed to climate change, ongoing conflicts leading to substantial disruptions in healthcare, and flooding that has compromised sanitation and access to clean water. The significant increase in cholera cases and related fatalities— especially among children— highlights the failures in healthcare systems caused by prolonged violence and natural disasters. Reports show that food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition are further complicating healthcare access, making children particularly susceptible to preventable diseases.
The cholera situation in Sudan and Nigeria presents a grave public health emergency characterized by elevated death rates, particularly among children, due to adverse environmental conditions and inadequate medical resources. Immediate action from government bodies and support from international organizations are essential to address this humanitarian crisis effectively and prevent further loss of life from easily preventable diseases.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
