Surging Cholera Death Rates in Sudan and Nigeria Amidst Flooding and Conflict

Cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have seen death rates reach nearly three times the global average, largely due to flooding and conflict impacting healthcare access. With over 17,600 cases reported in Sudan and substantial displacement in Nigeria, children are particularly vulnerable. Save the Children is spearheading response efforts amidst the challenges posed by the worsening humanitarian situation.

ABUJA/KHARTOUM, 4 October 2024 – In regions afflicted by conflict and severe flooding, the death rates from cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have escalated alarmingly, with figures soaring to nearly three times the global average. This troubling statistic places thousands of children at heightened risk as the incidence of case counts continues to rise, according to data released by Save the Children. In Sudan, the current data reveals a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 3.1 deaths per 100 confirmed cholera cases, significantly above the standard threshold of 1 death per 100 confirmed cases. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s cholera outbreak presents a CFR of 2.9%, which also surpasses the minimum acceptable rate. Recent flooding linked to climate change has exceptionally impacted approximately 16 countries across West, Central, and Eastern Africa. UN reports indicate that over 4.4 million individuals in West and Central Africa and more than 2 million in Eastern Africa have been affected by flooding in 2024. The confluence of flooded regions, contaminated water supplies, and inadequate sewage infrastructure has resulted in a dramatic rise in cholera cases, which are treatable with timely healthcare that remains inaccessible in many affected locales of Sudan and Nigeria. Children under five years old are disproportionately impacted by these outbreaks. From 22 July to 29 September, Sudan reported over 17,600 cholera cases and 546 associated fatalities across 10 states, according to the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO). The combination of nearly 18 months of armed conflict severely debilitating health facilities, coupled with flooding and increased water contamination, has been pivotal in exacerbating these outbreaks. Currently, it is reported that 80% of hospitals in Sudan are non-operational, and those that are lack essential medical supplies. Save the Children teams have observed a notable increase in cholera cases among children under five, who comprise 15% of total confirmed cases and deaths in Sudan. In Nigeria, cholera outbreaks have arisen from widespread floods, leading to substantial displacement affecting 29 out of 36 states, particularly in northern regions. As of 1 October, Nigeria registered over 450 confirmed cholera cases, including 32 fatalities, with children representing 37% of the confirmed cases. Continued rains are anticipated to worsen the situation in northern Nigeria through October. 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.” Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children in Nigeria, highlighted the preventability of cholera outbreaks with adequate infrastructure, stating, “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. The situation is putting food and clean water out of reach and malnutrition and disease are already rife among children.” In response to the escalating crisis, Save the Children is actively working in both countries. In Sudan, they are testing water quality and providing chlorination services at numerous water sources while supplying safe drinking water and cholera treatment in Gedaref state. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, efforts include providing medical supplies, cholera kits, and safe drinking water to displaced populations while promoting hygiene practices to fortify health efforts. The organization urges immediate action from governments and donor agencies to safeguard children’s health amid this growing crisis.

The recent cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria have resulted from a mixture of factors including severe flooding, ongoing conflicts, and deteriorating healthcare systems. The global standards for cholera treatment indicate that a CFR should ideally be at 1%, but both nations have significantly exceeded this due to the compounding issues of malnutrition and limited access to medical care. With climate change intensifying the frequency and impact of flooding across several African countries, comprehensive interventions are necessary to mitigate the health risks posed by such outbreaks. Save the Children has been actively engaged in addressing the crisis through various healthcare and support initiatives.

In summary, the cholera outbreaks in Sudan and Nigeria present a serious public health crisis exacerbated by flooding and conflict. The soaring death rates indicate a growing urgency for aid and infrastructure improvements to address the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly children. Save the Children’s initiatives highlight the importance of accessible healthcare, safe water supplies, and effective disease prevention strategies to reduce mortality rates and prevalence of illness in these regions.

Original Source: reliefweb.int