Sudan Faces Devastating Measles and Malnutrition Epidemic: Over 1,200 Children Dead
An alarming outbreak of measles and malnutrition in Sudan has claimed the lives of over 1,200 children under the age of five, according to the United Nations. The situation has been exacerbated by armed conflicts that have displaced over five million people from their homes. Preventable diseases such as measles, diarrhea, and malnutrition are now responsible for the deaths of approximately 100 children every month in Sudan.
The deadly combination of a suspected measles outbreak and high malnutrition has wreaked havoc in nine camps for internally displaced people in Sudan’s White Nile state, resulting in the deaths of these innocent children. In addition to measles, there have been reports of cholera, dengue, and malaria cases emerging in various parts of the country, raising concerns about the imminent threat of epidemics.
Regrettably, children under the age of five are the most affected, accounting for nearly 70% of all cases and a staggering 76% of all deaths, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Sudan’s health sector is on the verge of collapse, desperately short of funding and essential resources. Health facilities are overwhelmed by a severe shortage of staff, life-saving medicine, and critical equipment, leading to unnecessary fatalities and exacerbating ongoing outbreaks.
The armed hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April have further intensified the humanitarian crises in the country. The conflict has taken a devastating toll on Sudan’s civilian population, resulting in over 1,500 civilian deaths, and aid agencies claim that the actual death toll exceeds the officially reported figures. Shockingly, both warring factions, SAF and RSF, have faced allegations of committing heinous acts of violence against civilians, including arbitrary detentions and killings.
The economy has been paralyzed by the conflict, pushing millions of Sudanese to the brink of poverty. More than 7.4 million children are deprived of safe drinking water, and at least 700,000 are at risk of severe acute malnutrition, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Distressingly, aid agencies estimate that over 24 million Sudanese urgently require humanitarian aid, but only 30% of the required funds have been received, with the United States leading the list of donors with a contribution of $472.5 million.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, expressed his dismay, stating that the means and money exist to prevent each of these deaths from measles or malnutrition. However, due to this devastating conflict and a lack of global attention, dozens of children continue to lose their lives each day. Grandi emphasized the need for funding to address the crisis, access to those in need, and, most importantly, an end to the fighting.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with countless lives at stake. Urgent and concerted global efforts are required to contain and prevent further loss of innocent lives. The international community must come together to provide the necessary support, resources, and funding to address this devastating measles and malnutrition epidemic in Sudan.
