The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the increased risk of disease and epidemic spread in Sudan, as the humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate due to ongoing battles since mid-April. In an exclusive interview with “Sky News Arabia,” the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, revealed the details of the current health crisis in Sudan.
Al-Mandhari stated that the health sector in Sudan is suffering greatly under the weight of an unprecedented health crisis. Despite the courage and dedication shown by doctors and health workers in dealing with the health consequences of the crisis, the intense fighting in Sudan over the past two months has resulted in 1,081 deaths and 11,714 injuries.
The fighting has also caused significant damage to the country’s infrastructure, including health facilities, with nearly 60 percent of them either not functioning, looted, or destroyed. This has further exacerbated the already dire situation.
Al-Mandhari outlined the latest developments in the deterioration of the humanitarian situation and expressed concerns about the spread of epidemics. There is a serious risk of water or vector-borne diseases, primarily malaria, as well as outbreaks such as measles. The combination of factors such as the rainy season, population displacement, and limited access to safe drinking water increases the likelihood of disease spread to neighboring countries.
The situation has worsened recently due to an increase in attacks on health facilities, totaling more than 46 attacks. Some United Nations agencies’ assets have been attacked, looted, or destroyed. Medical supplies have significantly dwindled, and many health workers have been forced to flee outside Sudan. As a result, critical services such as healthcare for mothers and children and treatment for people with chronic diseases have been halted.
By the end of the year, more than 100,000 children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition with medical complications. In response, the WHO has provided technical and logistical support for a reactive measles vaccination campaign to reduce the emergence of epidemics and contain disease outbreaks. However, expanding vaccination campaigns requires ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers and the safe passage of aid in the country.
So far, the WHO has provided 170 tons of aid, in addition to tens of tons of aid in border areas for people fleeing violence to neighboring countries such as Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. The organization urges all parties involved in the conflict to stop fighting, withdraw from health facilities and warehouses where medicines are stored, protect health workers, and ensure humanitarian access to all states.
The head of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Alfonso Perez, has previously described the humanitarian situation in Sudan as “terrible.” There are fears of an outbreak of disease, as many residents have no choice but to use unsafe drinking water from the Nile River or other sources.
According to UN data, more than 2.2 million people have been displaced by the fighting, with over 500,000 fleeing to neighboring countries. The capital city, Khartoum, is also suffering from the collapse of essential services such as electricity, water, and communications networks. Additionally, looters have been targeting homes, particularly in well-to-do neighborhoods.
The situation in Sudan is dire, and urgent action is needed to address the health crisis and prevent the further spread of diseases. The international community must come together to provide support and ensure the safety and well-being of the Sudanese people.
How is the treatment of chronic diseases being affected in Sudan due to the ongoing crisis?
He treatment of chronic diseases are severely affected.
The WHO is working tirelessly to provide immediate health support to the affected population. They have dispatched essential medical supplies and equipment, including trauma kits, emergency health kits, and medicines, to help fill the gaps in the healthcare system. The organization is also training healthcare workers on epidemic detection and response to ensure a swift and effective response to potential outbreaks.
In addition to the immediate health risks, Al-Mandhari expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of the crisis on the health system in Sudan. He highlighted the urgent need for reconstruction and rehabilitation of health facilities, as well as the importance of supporting healthcare workers who have been traumatized by the violence.
Furthermore, he emphasized the need for sustained funding to address the health needs of the population, as the situation in Sudan continues to worsen. The WHO is calling on the international community to provide financial assistance to ensure the delivery of essential healthcare services, especially for the most vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
Al-Mandhari concluded by emphasizing that the humanitarian situation in Sudan requires urgent and coordinated international action. The health crisis is just one aspect of a much larger crisis, and without immediate intervention, the consequences could be catastrophic. The WHO remains committed to supporting the health sector in Sudan and will continue to work closely with other humanitarian partners to provide essential health services and prevent the further spread of diseases.
It’s heartbreaking to see the consequences of conflict on the health of the people in Sudan. The World Health Organization’s warning emphasizes the urgent need for international support to mitigate the increased disease risk and provide life-saving medical aid to those in need. Time is of the essence, and concerted action must be taken to prevent a humanitarian crisis from unfolding.