The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for more funds to combat the major outbreaks of cholera and meningitis, which has put the lives of millions of people at risk in Sudan.
If appropriate health control measures are not instituted at the earliest, the incidence and prevalence of these deadly diseases is only expected to accelerate in the forthcoming weeks. Currently, Sudan is dependent on other nations to help ease its financial burden worth 13.8 million pounds or $24 million.'Adverse consequences for the health of millions of people throughout Sudan' has been predicted by the United Nations agency, unless funds flood in for the 20 health projects that have been planned.
'Over the last six months, Sudan has experienced major outbreaks of epidemic diseases such as acute watery diarrhoea and cholera, dengue, yellow fever, monkey pox and meningitis, placing additional strains on already stretched health care services,' read a statement prepared by the International health agency.
The lack of essential drugs and vaccinations is believed to further spread meningitis, a disease characterized by inflammation of the coverings surrounding the brain and spinal cord. At least 1, 335 people have been feared infected with meningitis that commonly spread through close contact with an infected person, and acts such as sneezing and coughing.
An acute outbreak of diarrhoea (watery diarrhoea) has claimed the lives of nearly 248 lives and infected 9, 400 others, across the 10 different states in southern Sudan, according to a health report by the WHO. In addition, a number of new cases are being reported everyday in new locations, much to the concern of the health officials.
Cholera, a water borne disease characterized by vomiting and acute diarrhea can have a fatal consequence if the dehydration is not attended to immediately (within 24 hours). No clear reports about incidence of cholera have been obtained so far.
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