The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has communicated that, according to data provided by the Sudanese Ministry of Health, at least 117 people have lost their lives due to a cholera outbreak detected in the central region of the country.
In addition to these 117 deaths, Sudanese health authorities have registered 838 suspected cases and seven confirmed cases, according to the Ministry of Health's balance as of June 20, compiled by the WHO, in relation to the outbreak declared in West Kordofan state.
"The outbreak is occurring in a context of continued disruption of health services due to the conflict," Tedros lamented in a message disseminated on social media, in which he also warned that population displacement "is further hindering access to essential healthcare."
In this regard, the head of the WHO added that "insecurity" and access restrictions "continue to delay the deployment of response teams" and "the delivery of medical supplies and humanitarian aid."
Given this situation, Tedros pointed out, the Organization "is coordinating" the response with its partners by expanding cholera treatment centers and oral rehydration points, distributing specific kits against the disease, installing chlorinator stations, training chlorinator operators, hygiene promoters, and health personnel, as well as reinforcing health education actions in the affected communities.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection that can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is caused by the ingestion of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and, when they manifest, symptoms usually appear between 12 hours and five days after the infection occurs.