The Ministry of Health of the coup government announced that Sudan received a shipment of cholera vaccine estimated at (2.2) million doses from the Global Mechanism for the Eradication of Cholera, as a first stage within the response of the ministry and partners to combat the epidemic.
The ministry acknowledged the presence of more than 1,600 suspected cases of cholera, including 67 deaths in 22 localities in four states: “Khartoum, Gedarif, Gezira and South Kordofan.”
The seven-month war between the army and the RSF has exacerbated health conditions in the capital, Khartoum, Darfur and other areas, in light of the already fragile health situation.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, received the shipment of vaccines, which arrived by private jet chartered as support from UNICEF, along with other officials at Port Sudan airport, and thanked the Global Mechanism and the coalition of organizations sponsoring the campaign to eliminate cholera.
He considered that Sudan’s receipt of (2.2) million doses of cholera vaccine will strengthen the country’s position in combating the disease.
The minister announced the start of the vaccination campaign in the states of Gedaref and Al-Jazeera on November 20, and explained that cadres and specialists have been trained.
Ibrahim said that the reception of cholera vaccines was done after diligence from the National Committee, and its endeavor to provide vaccines, and explained that the request was submitted on October 16 and was responded in less than a month.
He pointed out that the start of vaccination will be in 6 localities in the state of Gedaref and the locality of Madani Al-Kubra in the state of Gezira
He pointed to work to provide other quantities to cover Khartoum state in the localities of Karary and East Nile, and announced the request for other shipments to cover the rest of the affected states.
The minister reassured citizens of the safety and safety of the cholera vaccine, and noted the role of the General Administration of Basic Health Care in providing vaccines, and called for adherence to other control mechanisms such as environmental health, food control, chlorination and water safety, public hygiene and disinfection.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that about 3.1 million Sudanese are expected to be infected with watery diarrhea and cholera.
Source: Al-Taghyeer
