A cholera outbreak in Sudan has killed more than 400 people over the past month. The number of infections in the country has risen to about 14,000.
In a statement, the country’s health ministry said it was doing all it can to “combat cholera in the affected states, amid the rise in infections”.
There are fears that the infections and death toll could rise as the war continues to ravage in the country.
According to the US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello said getting treatment for those affected areas is hugely complicated by the conflict.
Since it began last year, the conflict has killed up to 150,000 people. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that they are “regularly obstructed by both warring parties, the humanitarian response remains far below what is needed”.
Declaration of outbreak
The country’s Health Minister Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim declared a cholera outbreak in mid-August.
Cholera is a highly contagious disease that can cause diarrhoea, dehydration and death.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said although cholera is relatively easy to cure, but rapid treatment is essential.
Heavy rainfall and floods have also contributed to the cholera outbreak, compounded by crowding in displacement camps.
Esperanza Santos, MSF emergency coordinator for Sudan, said these elements had created a “perfect storm” for cholera to spread.
Schools, markets and stores have been told to close to curb the spread of the disease.
Source: Africafeeds.com
