WHO Launches Cholera Vaccination Campaign in Sudan

SadaNews - The World Health Organization has launched a vaccination campaign against the cholera epidemic in Sudan, which threatens the lives of thousands of citizens, especially children.

Hala Khadari, the Deputy Representative of the World Health Organization in Sudan, stated that "the cholera epidemic, which began to spread in Kassala State in late July 2024, has extended to all 18 states of the country," confirming that more than 113,600 cases have been recorded so far, with over 3,000 deaths, representing a concerning mortality rate of 2.7%.

Khadari added that the increase in displacement between states, in addition to the significant shortage of essential services such as water, food, and health due to the ongoing violent conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, has contributed to the sharp rise in the number of infections.

She explained that the World Health Organization and its partners are working to control the epidemic through a vaccination campaign in the most affected communities, emphasizing that the campaign aims to protect 1.8 million people in 6 priority localities in Darfur, western Sudan.

The second round of oral vaccination to control the epidemic will also include Chad, Libya, and South Sudan, contributing to enhancing health security in the region.

Since June 30, the disease has spread widely in Darfur, especially within crowded displacement camps, while ongoing battles in the region have exacerbated the situation, amid a lack of health awareness campaigns and the absence of preventive measures.

The World Health Organization classifies cholera as an acute intestinal infection that spreads through food and water contaminated with bacteria and can lead to death within hours if not treated, with mortality rates exceeding 1% indicating "serious gaps in case management and delays in access to treatment."

Since mid-April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a war that has resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 people and the displacement and refugee status of around 15 million, according to the United Nations and local authorities, while a study conducted by American universities estimated the death toll to be around 130,000.

Source: United Nations + Al Jazeera