Cholera and Dengue Cases Surge in Sudan

Khartoum: The number of cholera cases in Sudan has surged to 21,806, resulting in 632 deaths, while dengue fever cases have reached 1,329, with four fatalities, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry. The ministry's latest report highlights the urgent need for intensified efforts to control the escalating outbreak, as per IANS.

Eleven states in Sudan are currently grappling with the cholera outbreak, with Kassala State recording the highest number of cases. In response, health authorities in Kassala have launched a major campaign aimed at environmental sanitation and disease prevention. Mohamed Mustafa Mohamed, the health chief of Kassala, attributed the worsening conditions to heavy rains and the continued influx of people fleeing violence in neighboring states, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Meanwhile, the non-governmental Sudanese Doctors Network raised concerns about the growing number of dengue fever cases reported daily at Kassala Hospital. The network pointed out that the disease is particularly prevalent among displaced populations. "We urgently appeal to international and regional organizations, as well as local authorities, to quickly intervene and address the epidemic at its source," the network said in a statement, as per IANS.

This alarming rise in cholera and dengue cases is part of a wider health crisis in Sudan, which has been heavily impacted by ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting, which has been ongoing since April 2023, has further exacerbated the country's public health situation. In addition to cholera and dengue, other epidemic diseases such as malaria and measles have also spread widely across the country.

The United Nations estimates that the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 20,000 people and has displaced millions. The health system in Sudan, already strained by years of underinvestment, has been further overwhelmed by the fighting, making it difficult to contain the outbreaks and provide adequate care to those affected. The situation remains dire, with both local and international health organizations urging immediate intervention to prevent further loss of life and suffering, as per IANS.