Cholera Outbreak in Southern Sudan: 58 Lives Lost Amid Rapid Spread

The cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has resulted in 1,351 cases and 58 deaths, primarily in Kosti city. Contaminated drinking water has been identified as the outbreak’s source due to a compromised water supply. The Sudanese government has implemented measures to combat the outbreak amidst ongoing civil unrest, with a total of 53,735 cholera cases reported since August.

Recent reports from the Sudanese Health Ministry indicate a significant cholera outbreak in southern Sudan, with recorded cases rising to 1,351 and fatalities totaling 58. The outbreak’s prevalence is particularly severe in Kosti city, located in the White Nile State, with these figures being noted over a span of just three days. The incidents have been exacerbated by contaminated drinking water following attacks that compromised the local water supply infrastructure.

The Health Ministry identified the contamination of drinking water as the primary cause of the outbreak, attributing this situation to the shutdown of the main water station in Kosti. This shutdown was reportedly a consequence of actions by the Rapid Support Forces militia, which targeted the Um Dabakir electricity station in White Nile State. The government’s response has been critical in mitigating the outbreak’s spread.

Efforts by the Sudanese government to curb the cholera outbreak have included reactivating Kosti’s main water station, launching a vaccination campaign, ensuring the availability of intravenous fluids, and expanding the isolation center’s bed capacity. These interventions exhibit the government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the public health crisis.

The Sudan Doctors Network reported a slightly higher incidence of the cholera outbreak, citing 1,197 cases and 83 fatalities in White Nile State during a recent two-day period. Currently, the official figures from Sudan’s Health Ministry reveal a total of 53,735 cholera cases nationwide, with 1,430 deaths recorded since the initial outbreak began in August 2023.

This outbreak unfolds amid ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the national army and the RSF, resulting in significant casualties and mass displacement. The compounded challenges faced by the healthcare system underscore the urgent need for humanitarian and medical interventions as cholera continues to spread.

The ongoing cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has reached alarming levels, marked by 1,351 reported cases and 58 deaths in a brief period. Contaminated drinking water has fueled the crisis, necessitating swift governmental action to improve public health measures. Progress is noted, but the outbreak coincides with broader civil conflicts highlighting the need for continuous intervention and support. Recovery and management of the health crisis remain imperative as the nation faces dual challenges of disease and conflict.

Original Source: news.az