UN humanitarians battle to contain disease outbreaks in Sudan
United Nations, May 22
The aid community in Sudan, amid insecurity and access challenges, is fighting to contain outbreaks of dengue fever, mpox and suspected cholera cases, UN humanitarians said.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that in the El Nuhud area of West Kordofan state, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are responding to a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhea, commonly associated with cholera. More than 100 suspected cases and dozens of associated deaths were already reported this week.
In the Darfur region, UN humanitarians are working with health authorities to address suspected mpox outbreaks in Central and South Darfur states, where more than 300 suspected cases and five associated deaths have been reported this week, OCHA said. "WHO is supporting a large-scale cholera and measles vaccination campaign led by authorities in Darfur."
The office said that in Northern and River Nile states, the WHO and health partners have responded to dengue fever outbreaks. In Northern state, suspected cases have more than tripled over the past month, reaching more than 500.
"These health emergencies are unfolding as insecurity continues to endanger civilians and humanitarian operations," OCHA said. "In South Kordofan, multiple drone strikes in and around Dilling yesterday (Wednesday) reportedly killed at least two people and injured several others. One strike reportedly damaged a health facility and destroyed medical supplies and equipment."
The office said the humanitarian community in Sudan assisted more than 1.6 million people in the first four months of the year.
OCHA called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to facilitate access, as required by international humanitarian law. Additional funding also remains critical to deliver life-saving assistance to millions of people in Sudan, Xinhua news agency reported.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The drone strike damaging a health facility is just too much. How are they supposed to treat mpox or cholera when even hospitals are being hit? The international community needs to step up with funding and also pressure all sides to protect civilians. We in India know how critical basic healthcare is—imagine without it during a war.
It's good that WHO is running vaccination campaigns for cholera and measles despite the chaos, but I worry about the logistics. Over 1.6 million people helped in four months is impressive, but there's clearly so much more needed, especially with dengue cases tripling. Sudan has been forgotten by the world, and that's a shame. 😔
As an Indian who has seen our public health system struggle during COVID, I can only imagine how dire this is. The UN should also focus on clean water access—acute watery diarrhea is a sign of poor sanitation. Why is no one talking about the lack of safe drinking water in these camps? That's basic stuff.
I appreciate the efforts, but I'm tired of these reports where the UN just calls for access and funding without real accountability. Where's the international pressure on the warring factions? Sudan has been in conflict for over a year now, and the world watches while diseases kill more than bombs. We need action, not just statements.
Having worked in rural healthcare in India, this hits close to home. Suspected cholera, mpox, dengue—these are diseases that can be controlled, but not when drones are targeting hospitals. My heart goes out to the health workers risking their lives
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