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The spread of the disease is more pronounced in refugee-hosting areas such as Kassala, Gedaref and Jazira states.
These countries are reportedly hosting thousands of displaced Sudanese seeking safety from the ongoing hostilities, in addition to refugees from other countries.
Sudan’s Ministry of Health reported that so far 119 cases of cholera have been confirmed in three refugee camps in Kassala state.
“Tragically, five refugees have died after contracting cholera. Although cases of cholera have been reported in Gedaref canton, no refugees have been affected by the outbreak to date, but we will continue to monitor the situation,” the UNHCR statement read in part.
The report also said the recent cholera outbreak came after weeks of heavy rains and flooding.
The risks are exacerbated by ongoing conflict and poor humanitarian conditions, including overcrowding in camps and gatherings for people displaced by the fighting, and limited medical supplies and health workers, the UN refugee agency said.
In addition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure is overwhelmed, all of which have been severely affected by the war.
There are also concerns about the spread of water-borne diseases such as malaria and diarrhoea.
Sadly, however, violence, insecurity and continued rains are making it difficult for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
The United Nations says the White Nile, Darfur and Kordofan states are home to more than 7.4 million refugees and internally displaced Sudanese, and the delivery of critical medicines and relief supplies is being delayed due to poor transport links.
We recognize the efforts of the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and their partners.
In Kassala, UNHCR is reportedly providing beds, medicines and hygiene supplies in treatment facilities and training health workers.
In White Nile State, home to ten refugee camps, cholera treatment centres are being established to support isolation and treatment of suspected and confirmed cases. Disease surveillance and testing are ongoing, along with sensitization and training of health workers on cholera case management.
At the Sudanese border, UNHCR expressed concern for the health and protection of Sudanese refugees fleeing the country.
In South Sudan and Chad, aid teams are reporting an increase in malaria cases in refugee camps due to the onset of the rainy season.
The report emphasizes that the current malnutrition rate is alarming, the cases of measles, acute respiratory infections, and acute watery diarrhea are increasing, and the risk of cholera epidemics is also increasing.
It is reported that since the outbreak of the conflict in Sudan, more than 10 million people have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere in Sudan or in neighboring countries.
UNHCR said that even before the cholera outbreak, the humanitarian situation and funding levels were already precarious and funds were urgently needed to support the provision of health care and other life-saving assistance.
Meanwhile, UNHCR and other partners have reportedly received only 22 per cent of the $1.5 billion needed to provide aid to Sudan’s neighbours.
(English stone)
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