The cholera outbreak in southern Sudan has resulted in 1,351 cases and 58 deaths, mostly in Kosti city. The outbreak was triggered by contaminated drinking water due to the closure of a water station. The government has implemented emergency measures to control the spread. The broader situation involves over 53,735 total cases and ongoing conflict since April 2023.
The Sudanese Health Ministry has reported a concerning cholera outbreak in southern Sudan, which has resulted in 1,351 confirmed cases and 58 fatalities. This alarming situation is most pronounced in Kosti city, located in White Nile State, where the outbreak has escalated quickly over a three-day period. Contaminated drinking water, a direct consequence of the shutdown of the main water station in Kosti due to militia activity, has been identified as the primary cause of the outbreak.
To combat this public health crisis, the government has initiated several crucial interventions that have effectively curtailed the spread of the disease. Significant measures include the reactivation of water supplies in Kosti, the launch of a vaccination campaign, the provision of intravenous fluids, and the expansion of bed capacity in isolation centers. The Sudan Doctors Network has also reported a high number of cholera cases, emphasizing the severity of the situation, with 1,197 cases and 83 deaths recorded in White Nile State alone over a recent two-day period.
The overall cholera situation in Sudan remains dire, with the Health Ministry stating there have been 53,735 total cases and 1,430 deaths since the outbreak began in August. This public health crisis is unfolding within the context of ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, involving the army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, a conflict that has caused widespread fatalities and displacement among the populace.
In conclusion, the cholera outbreak in southern Sudan presents a significant public health emergency, exacerbated by contaminated water supply and ongoing civil unrest. The government’s responsive actions, including reactivating water services and launching vaccination campaigns, are crucial in mitigating the outbreak’s impact. Continued vigilance and intervention are necessary to protect the health and safety of the affected populations.
Original Source: news.az
