Monday, July 03, 2023

Sudan: Measles in Khartoum and White Nile State

Report at BBC News Live Reporting - bbc.com/africalive
By BBC Arabic's Sudan Lifeline radio
Additional reporting by Will Ross
Published Monday 03 July 2023, 13:17 BST - here is a full copy:

Sudan doctor warns of rise in measles cases amid conflict


There has been a rise in the number of measles cases in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, because the ongoing conflict is preventing vaccinations, a paediatrician has told the BBC.


Speaking to the Sudan Lifeline programme, Dr Mohamed al-Taher, who is based in Khartoum, said there was a shortage of vaccines, which could lead to the outbreak of diseases among children.


"Vaccination is the responsibility of the ministry of health, yet the ministry cannot carry out its role as regards the vaccination process," he said..


"There is a shortage in the measles vaccine and a number of cases have already occurred among children and they are expected to be very severe... it will be very severe because their bodies will not be resisting it."


With frequent aerial bombardment and clashes in densely populated urban areas, it's extremely dangerous to try to reach clinics.


Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has warned that as people flee their homes there are increasing cases of measles and malnutrition in camps in White Nile state, south of the capital. 


MSF says communities have reported a rise in child mortality much of it due to suspected cases of measles. 


Image caption: The fighting between the army and the RSF militia began in April


Click here to view original.


Related reports


Sudan Watch - Monday, June 26, 2023

South Sudan: Measles outbreak in Unity State

Click here to check if you or your child has measles

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/06/south-sudan-measles-outbreak-in-unity.html


Sudan Watch - Saturday, July 01, 2023

South Sudan: Unity State launch measles vaccination

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/05/south-sudan-unity-state-launch-measles.html


Sudan Watch - Sunday, July 02, 2023

Sudan: Vaccine hero on front lines uses auto rickshaw

https://sudanwatch.blogspot.com/2023/06/sudan-vaccine-hero-on-front-lines-uses.html


[Ends]

No comments: