El Fasher, October 4 (Darfur24)
At least seven deaths and 30 new cholera cases have been recorded in El Fasher, North Darfur State, amid a severe shortage of medical supplies, a health official told Darfur24.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official at the Saudi Specialized Hospital for Women and Maternity said the city is witnessing a sharp rise in cholera infections and deaths, with the new cases recorded over the past three days.
He added that isolation centers continue to receive new patients daily, with one to three deaths reported each day, largely due to critical shortages of medical supplies, especially intravenous solutions. He warned that the death toll could increase as the outbreak spreads.
Relatives of patients have also raised concerns over deteriorating sanitary conditions at the Saudi Hospital, now the only functioning medical facility in the city. One attendant told Darfur24 that filth and foul odors from blood, corpses, and open defecation are widespread near patient wards.
He attributed the worsening situation to the departure of workers from the city and urged the remaining staff to improve hygiene standards to protect patients.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted and destroyed most water sources in El Fasher. Around 95 percent of hospitals and health facilities are out of service, with the remainder only partially operational.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have imposed a tight siege on El Fasher since April last year in an effort to capture the city, which remains the Sudanese army’s last military stronghold in Darfur.