The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Health Organization have issued a joint press statement warning of the deteriorating health crisis caused by the ongoing Sudan crisis.
UNHCR teams operating in Sudan’s White Nile state have reported a tragic situation in which more than 1,200 refugee children under the age of five have lost their lives between May 15 and September 14. These deaths have resulted from a suspected measles outbreak compounded by severe malnutrition.
During this same period, there have been over 3,100 suspected cases of illness reported, and additional reports have documented more than 500 suspected cases of cholera in different parts of the country. This health crisis has been further complicated by outbreaks of dengue and malaria, all of which are occurring against a backdrop of heightened epidemic risks and significant challenges in controlling these outbreaks.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces erupted in Khartoum, Sudan on Saturday, April 15th. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than four million individuals, a significant portion of whom have been compelled to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
“The world has the means and the money to prevent every one of these deaths from measles or malnutrition,” the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said today.
“And yet dozens of children are dying every day – a result of this devastating conflict and a lack of global attention. We can prevent more deaths, but need money for the response, access to those in need, and above all, an end to the fighting.”
The current state of health facilities is reaching a dangerous juncture, mostly due to the scarcity of personnel, essential medications, and vital equipment. This situation is further aggravating ongoing outbreaks and leading to avoidable fatalities. The ongoing conflict has witnessed a series of recurrent assaults on the healthcare sector, targeting those working in healthcare, patients seeking medical assistance, and the transportation of essential medical resources. Consequently, these attacks have significantly impeded the provision of healthcare services.
“Local health workers, with the help of WHO and partners, are doing all they can, in very difficult conditions. But they desperately need the support of the international community to prevent further deaths and the spread of outbreaks”, said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. “We call on donors to be generous and on the warring parties to protect health workers and access to health for all those who need it.”
According to the statement, humanitarian partners have observed a rise in the number of children coming in Renk, South Sudan, with measles and experiencing significant levels of malnutrition. These cases primarily originate from Sudan, particularly from the White Nile region.
According to the report, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and malaria continue to be the most prevalent diseases among children.
The provision of safe drinking water is a significant obstacle, as households are allocated a mere five litres per individual, amounting to only one-third of the necessary quantity.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organisation, and their respective collaborators are actively engaged in delivering immediate help within Sudan and in neighbouring regions, with the primary objective of averting further fatalities.
