Cholera Outbreak in Southern Sudan: Current Status and Government Response
A cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has resulted in over 1,350 cases and 58 deaths in Kosti city. The outbreak is linked to contaminated drinking water after the main water station was shut down. Government interventions, including restoring water supply and a vaccination campaign, have been instrumental in curbing the spread.
A cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has resulted in 1,351 reported cases and 58 fatalities, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry. The rapid increase in cases, particularly in Kosti city of White Nile State, has raised alarms, with the outbreak escalating over a mere three-day period. The ministry attributes the outbreak primarily to contaminated drinking water following the shutdown of the main water station, which was impacted by a recent attack on the Um Dabakir electricity station by the Rapid Support Forces militia.
In response to the crisis, the Sudanese government implemented urgent measures that have helped to slow the rate of new infections. Key interventions included reactivating the main water station in Kosti, launching a vaccination campaign against cholera, supplying intravenous fluids, and increasing the capacity of isolation centers. These steps are aimed at addressing both immediate health concerns and long-term water supply issues.
The Sudan Doctors Network reported an even higher number of cholera cases, with 1,197 cases and 83 deaths in White Nile State alone over two days. The cumulative figures released by the Sudanese Health Ministry indicate that since the onset of the outbreak in August, there have been 53,735 cases and 1,430 deaths nationwide. This health crisis is compounded by the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which has left many dead and displaced since April 2023.
The cholera outbreak in southern Sudan is a severe public health emergency, exacerbated by contaminated water and ongoing civil unrest. The government’s rapid responses have been crucial in mitigating further spread, but the health crisis continues to pose significant challenges amid the broader context of conflict. Continued efforts to restore safe water access and carry out health interventions remain critical in managing this outbreak.
Original Source: news.az
