Cholera Outbreak in Southern Sudan: Health Crisis Deepens amid Civil Conflict

The cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has led to 1,351 cases and 58 deaths, largely due to contaminated drinking water. The Sudanese government has implemented urgent measures, including reactivating water supplies and launching a vaccination campaign. The ongoing civil conflict complicates the public health response, with total cases across the country exceeding 53,000.

The Sudanese Health Ministry has reported alarming statistics concerning a cholera outbreak in southern Sudan, confirming 1,351 cases and 58 fatalities. The outbreak has expanded rapidly in Kosti city, White Nile State, compounding the ongoing public health crisis. This surge in infections has been linked to contaminated drinking water, a direct consequence of the main water station’s closure due to armed conflict involving the Rapid Support Forces militia targeting the Um Dabakir electricity station.

In response to this grave situation, the government has initiated urgent interventions to mitigate the outbreak. Notable actions include the reactivation of the water station in Kosti, launching a vaccination campaign, ensuring the provision of intravenous fluids, and increasing the bed capacity at isolation centers. These efforts have reportedly curbed the rapid rise in cholera cases.

Additionally, the Sudan Doctors Network indicated that 1,197 cholera cases, including 83 fatalities, were recorded in White Nile State in a mere two-day period. The latest figures reveal a staggering total of 53,735 cholera cases nationwide, with 1,430 deaths recorded since the outbreak’s inception in August. This public health crisis is exacerbated by the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 and has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.

In conclusion, the cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has reached critical levels, with significant fatalities and a rapid increase in cases attributed to contaminated water sources. Government interventions have shown promise in controlling the situation, but the broader context of civil unrest continues to undermine healthcare efforts. Active measures are crucial to preventing further loss of life and managing this public health emergency effectively.

Original Source: news.az