Sudan’s ongoing conflict claims over 1,500 innocent lives

Sudan’s ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll on innocent lives, with the loss of at least 1,500 civilians to date.

This somber statistic was revealed by Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, the Federal Minister of Health, who has shed light on the dire situation unfolding in the country.

As if the conflict itself wasn’t tragic enough, the onset of the rainy season has further compounded the crisis. There are growing concerns over the potential outbreak of an epidemic, fueled by the disturbing sight of corpses littering the streets of Khartoum for an extended period of four months.

The impact on Sudan’s healthcare infrastructure has been profound, with 80% of health facilities left inoperable due to bombings, forced evacuations, and a severe shortage of medical supplies. This has only exacerbated the already dire circumstances faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.

During an interview with the “Sudan Tribune,” Minister Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim stated that the Ministry of Health had officially recorded “1,500 civilian fatalities and over 6,000 people wounded as a result of the conflict.” However, he also expressed concern that the actual number of casualties may be higher due to the complex circumstances preventing many cases from reaching hospitals or morgues.

The dire circumstances have forced citizens to resort to unconventional burial methods. Victims are being laid to rest within homes and even on public streets, squares, and neighborhoods. The ongoing hostilities have made it impractical for people to visit cemeteries or access traditional burial sites.

In the face of this heartbreaking situation, it is crucial that we recognize the escalating toll and understand the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire and coordinated international assistance. The rising number of casualties serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent action required to address this growing humanitarian and health crisis.

Epidemic Concerns Arise: A Call to Vigilance 

As the challenges of our times persist, concerns regarding potential epidemic outbreaks have taken center stage. The Minister of Health has raised alarming warnings about the widespread presence of corpses in various states, especially in the capital city of Khartoum and the Darfur region. These decaying bodies pose a significant threat to our society, as they have the potential to trigger numerous epidemics, with grave consequences.

During his recent visit to various districts within Khartoum State, the Minister noticed the absence of bodies in some densely populated neighborhoods. While this may seem like a positive development, he cautiously pointed out that this observation does not eliminate the lurking dangers. It is crucial for us to remain vigilant and actively work to prevent potential epidemics.

In addition to the immediate concern of corpses, the Minister stressed the importance of averting environmental repercussions across several Sudanese states. As the fall season sets in, the threats of diseases like diarrhea become more pronounced. There is a higher risk of the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors and mosquitoes, which can exacerbate the situation.

Instances of watery diarrhea have already been reported in South Kordofan. However, swift treatment was made possible due to the state’s ample supply of intravenous solutions. This demonstrates the importance of proactive measures and preparedness in the face of potential epidemics.

Discussing the importance of routine vaccinations, the Minister emphasized that suspending such campaigns could worsen the prevalence of childhood diseases, particularly measles. However, he acknowledged that a significant supply of routine vaccines had been received in collaboration with UNICEF. He expressed confidence in improving vaccination rates in states with lower rates, contingent upon the stabilization of security situations.

The Minister also highlighted the wide distribution of malaria-carrying mosquitoes across all Sudanese states, as well as dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes present in ten states. Addressing these vectors requires a collective effort from the community due to their close relationship with the environment, which aids their widespread propagation.

Furthermore, anticipating a substantial increase, the minister projected a significant surge in malaria cases beyond usual levels due to the extensive proliferation of mosquito vectors throughout the country as the rainy season comes to an end.

Hospital dilemma and medication shortages

The Minister highlighted the repercussions faced by the populace due to the inoperability of hospitals in conflict zones, particularly prominent in Khartoum, Central and West Darfur, with partial closures noted in South Darfur.

Drawing attention to the situation, the Minister noted the gradual restoration of hospital services in Khartoum, a region equipped with 42 hospitals, 56 healthcare centres, and 14 dialysis centres.

“While central and reference hospitals in Khartoum suffered losses, some essential services have been reinstated in areas like Gezira State, which boasts substantial hospitals specialized in heart, oncology, gastrointestinal care, and orthopaedics,” he elaborated.

In regard to assessing the extent of damage inflicted upon hospitals in Khartoum, the Minister indicated a lack of specific statistics but emphasized the severity of the impact, with numerous crucial devices and equipment lost.

Addressing health care provisions in Darfur, the Minister highlighted the suspension of services due to security concerns, particularly in Central, South, and West Darfur states.

“The entire health system is grappling with challenges, reflecting the nation’s struggles. Shelter centres are dispersed across the Sudan, with some encountering issues of overcrowding. To aid the situation, several organizations have rolled out mobile, direct, and complimentary clinic services,” stated Haitham Muhammad Ibrahim.

Providing insight into the healthcare burden, the Minister noted the presence of 8,000 kidney patients in Khartoum requiring 72,000 monthly dialysis sessions, amounting to around $2.5 million over a three-month period. He acknowledged the existing assistance from countries as insufficient to cover this substantial requirement, prompting collaborative efforts with partners coordinated by the Ministry of Finance.

With the aim of alleviating the scarcity, he expected the arrival of necessary supplies by mid-September.

He further acknowledged the acute shortage of kidney disease medications, revealing ongoing initiatives to address this concern through collaborations with entities such as Qatar Charity and other donors. The focus remains on bridging the gap, given the prevailing challenge of dwindling kidney dialysis resources across various centres, he stressed.