International organizations and collaborators are increasing their efforts to address the epidemic, which was initially reported in Gedaref state in the eastern region on September 26th.

There have been at least 2,525 possible instances of acute watery diarrhea/cholera, with 78 deaths linked to it, reported in 27 different areas in seven states.

Millions at risk

The most recent update from OCHA estimates that over 3.1 million individuals are in danger until the end of the year.

Organizations dedicated to helping others are providing assistance in identifying and treating cases, while also actively monitoring at-risk areas to pinpoint potential causes and take action.

The WHO’s sixth chartered flight arrived in Port Sudan, situated on the Red Sea coast, last week. The flight originated from the Global Logistics Hub in Dubai.

The aircraft transported over 33 metric tons of resources for addressing cholera, such as medication, lab supplies, equipment, and reproductive health kits provided by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

The arrival of vaccines is imminent.

Additionally, the global organization responsible for overseeing and organizing the distribution of emergency vaccinations has authorized the government’s appeal for approximately three million doses of oral cholera vaccines. These vaccines will be utilized in campaigns across nine regions in Gedaref and two additional states.

The projected arrival date is 20 November and the immunization initiatives are set to commence by the close of the month.

Conflict still raging 

There is currently a cholera epidemic occurring amidst ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and a competing paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in mid-April.

Over six million individuals have been displaced from their residences, and 1.2 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries.

The UNHCR issued a warning about ongoing instances of sexual assault, torture, murder, and other human rights violations in West Darfur, stating that they are reminiscent of the atrocities that occurred 20 years ago.

Healthcare under pressure

On Monday, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated on social media platform X that the ongoing conflict is placing an immense strain on the health system.

“As the level of violence increases in Darfur, many people are seeking refuge in Chad in order to find safety. This is putting additional strain on a country that is already struggling,” he stated.

The World Health Organization is currently working with partners to set up mobile clinics, improve monitoring, and provide necessary medication and supplies, according to Tedros. However, their efforts are being hindered by difficulties with security and bureaucratic processes that make it difficult to reach certain areas.

He urged the global community to direct their focus towards Sudan and its urgent needs.

Source: news.un.org