November 20, Nairobi — About 28,400 cases of cholera and 836 associated deaths have been reported in Sudan since August. “The public health situation in Sudan is at a crisis point,” the the United Nations said on Tuesday.
In August, Sudanese authorities officially declared a cholera outbreak, which continues to spread nationwide. But healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by the cases and the urgent medical needs of those injured in the ongoing conflict.
In El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan, doctors have been on strike for over two weeks, amid an alarming increase in cases of cholera and dengue fever. Medical sources told Darfur24 that doctors and other workers have been forced to work in deteriorating conditions with a significant shortage of resources. They are also suffering from the accumulation of delayed and unpaid wages.
Meanwhile in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, there are reported to be a massive increase in cases in El Jereif, west of Blue Nile River. There has also been a significant increase in deaths in the last three days, the local chamber told Darfur24. Healthcare systems are also collapsing and there is a severe lack of medicine and care available.
In El Gedaref, along the border with Gezira, recorded 177 cholera cases on one day this week. The epidemic is allegedly concentrated in shelters for displaced people. The Health Emergency Department at El Fao Hospital immediately declared a state of emergency.