With only one supply of medicine left for cholera and dengue fever in North Kordofan, the window to avoid a health crisis is closing for the authorities in Sudan.

Development Diaries reports that the North Kordofan Health Ministry has recorded at least 47 cholera cases and 817 dengue fever cases this month amidst the growing shortage of treatment medicines for the diseases.

We understand the first case of dengue fever was recorded on 12 September, 2023, after which dengue fever patients were recorded in Sheikan, El Rahad, Um Rawaba, Um Dam, and Bara.

While the government spokesperson, Abdelmuttalib Abdelmut’aal, has commented on new supplies coming in from Port Sudan, a specific expected date of arrival needs to be established given the nature of the ongoing conflict in the country and its impact on the movement of essential supplies and people.

Also, repeated power outages in the region remain one of the challenges plaguing health responses. Earlier in January, we reported how power outages and shortages of medical oxygen were setting the stage for a health crisis in the country.

With increasing cases of cholera and dengue fever added to the already fragile health situation and the ongoing war in the country, if immediate steps are not taken to provide an adequate supply of medicines, electricity, and other essentials, many Sudanese could witness a devastating situation.

Development Diaries calls on the Health Ministry in the country to work on ensuring adequate supplies of health essentials are made available to faculties across the country on time.

Source: Dabanga

Photos source: MSF