The Sudanese government has intensified efforts to contain the spread of cholera in the country. This as doctors and aid workers urge the government to declare a state of emergency over the outbreak. According to the World Health Organisation the disease has killed 270 people so far.
There have been 22,000 confirmed cases of cholera since the outbreak first begun in May, and the outbreak has now reportedly spread to 13 out of 18 states.
The government is under intense pressure declare a state of emergency over the outbreak. But it says the situation is “under control” and awareness campaigns to stop its spread are bearing fruit.
“We are focusing as much as possible on community participation. The government is sensitising the public on proper hygiene practices. The efforts we have put in place will bare positive results – I’m sure,” Saleh Juma, Vice-Chairman of the Health Committee Parliament of Sudan, told CGTN Africa.
UNICEF is warning that children are the most affected by the outbreak.
“About 20% of all the infections are children, which is about 16,000 cases,” said Alison Parker, Chief Communication Officer of UNICEF.
Aid workers in Sudan have asked residents to be vigilant and to be extra hygienic and avoid drinking dirty water and unsanitary.
