Sudan: Humanitarian Update. 53 healthcare attacks, 11 dead. Aid workers attacked or detained, 18 killed

HERE is a full copy of a Press Release from OCHA

(United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

Dated Monday 07 August 2023

SUDAN: Humanitarian Update (7 August 2023) 

HIGHLIGHTS • More than 3 million people have been internally displaced across all of Sudan’s 18 states due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as of 1 August. • About 2.2 million of all people internally displaced have fled from Khartoum State. • About 880,000 people have fled the conflict across Sudan’s borders into neighbouring countries, including Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan, as of 3 August. • About 20.3 million people across Sudan – over 42 per cent of the population – are now facing high levels of acute food insecurity between July and September 2023. More than 6.2 million people are just one step away from famine. • On 3 August, the first humanitarian convoy to reach East Darfur since the start of the conflict arrived in the state, after a nine-day road trip. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) facilitated the first cross-border delivery of food items by the World Food Programme (WFP) from Chad into West Darfur, one of the most food-insecure states in the country. Those supplies arrived in West Darfur on 3 August.

SITUATION OVERVIEW As the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues across the country, more people are being displaced and humanitarian needs are increasing daily. To date, about 3.9 million people have been displaced inside and outside the country due to the conflict that erupted on 15 April. More than 3 million people have been displaced internally as of 1 August, according to the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix (IOM DTM). People have been displaced across all 18 states, the majority of whom are in River Nile, Northern, North Darfur and White Nile states. About 71 per cent of those displaced are originally from Khartoum. The most severe clashes have taken place in the capital city of Khartoum and the state capital of West Darfur, Ag Geneina town. Additionally, ­fighting between SAF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has been reported in several locations across South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, resulting in civilian displacement. In addition, about 880,000 refugees, asylum seekers and returnees have crossed the border into neighbouring countries, including Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan as of 3 August, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Humanitarian needs across the country continue to rise. The conflict and economic crisis have driven about 20.3 million people across Sudan (over 42 per cent of the population) into high levels of acute food insecurity between July and September 2023, according to the latest report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) for Sudan. This is nearly double the number of food-insecure people compared to the last IPC analysis conducted in May 2022. Of these food-insecure people, 14 million (29 per cent of the population) are in crisis levels, IPC Phase 3. This means that people have less food to eat and are forced to adopt crisis-coping strategies, such as eating fewer meals a day. More than 6.2 million people (13 per cent of the population) are at emergency levels, IPC 4, just one step away from famine (IPC 5). They mainly reside in states with active conflict and are selling off assets to buy food.   On 30 July, Sudan's Civil Aviation Authority extended the closure of Sudanese airspace until 15 August 2023 to all air traffic, except for humanitarian aid and evacuation flights. Sudanese airspace has been closed to regular air traffic since mid-April, when the conflict between the SAF and RSF erupted. In addition, state authorities in North Kordofan imposed a curfew from 1900 to 0500 across the entire state, effective from 2 August until further notice.

STATE UPDATES The majority of people internally displaced due to the conflict are from Khartoum State. IOM estimates that 2.2 million people have fled the state capital Khartoum, with 2.16 million people going to other states, while about 38,400 people have been displaced in seven locations within the state, mainly in Bahri (Khartoum North), Jebel Awlia, Karrari, Khartoum, Sharg An Neel, Um Bada and Um Durman localities. Most of these displaced people are living with relatives, while the rest have rented accommodations. More than 420,100 people, mostly displaced from Khartoum, have taken refuge in 73 locations across six localities in Blue Nile State, mainly Ed Damazine, Ar Rusayirs, Al Kurmuk, At Tadamon, Geisan, and Wad Al Mahi localities. About 66 per cent of displaced households are seeking shelter with relatives, while the remaining 34 per cent have rented accommodations. On 9 July, an inter-agency assessment mission was carried out in Ed Damazine and Rusayris localities. The World Food Programme (WFP) plans to start a verification exercise for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Khartoum in these two localities to provide them with food assistance. UNICEF plans to rehabilitate two water yards in Abu Hashim, Ed Damazine locality. On 25 July, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a measles outbreak in Wad Al Mahi locality, with 211 suspected cases and nine related deaths reported between 1 May and 24 July. Most of the cases were reported in Dam Town 7/ Umdarfa, while other cases were reported in Dam Town 1, 2 and 3. One suspected case each was reported in Ed Damazine and Geisan localities. A measles vaccination of 2,989 children under five years of age was carried out in Dam Town 7/ Umdarfa between 31 May and 2 June 2023. WHO and the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) are planning to vaccinate children under five years of age in Wad Al Mahi locality and catchment areas. About 297,000 people have arrived in North Darfur State after fleeing the conflict between SAF and RSF forces, according to IOM. Those displaced are taking refuge in 72 locations across Al Fasher, Al Koma, Al Lait, Al Malha, As Serief, At Tawisha, Dar As Salam, Kebkabiya, Kelemando, Kernoi, Kutum, Melit, Saraf Omra, Tawila, and Um Kadadah localities. Most (93 per cent) have been displaced from within the state, while the remaining displaced people have arrived from West Darfur, Khartoum, South Darfur and Central Darfur states. More than 43 per cent of those displaced are living with the host community, 17.5 per cent are living in IDP camps, and 6.5 per cent have taken refuge in schools or other public buildings. Northern State is hosting about 361,000 displaced people from Khartoum across 232 locations, according to IOM. All IDPs within Northern State have reportedly arrived from Khartoum. Displaced populations have been reported in Dabbah, Al Burgaig, Al Golid, Delgo, Dongola, Halfa and Merowe localities. Most of those displaced (80.96 per cent) are living with relatives, 8.7 per cent have rented accommodations, and 10.3 per cent have taken refuge in school premises or other public buildings. Many of the displaced people in Northern State are either waiting for the situation to improve in Khartoum or for their visas to Egypt to be processed, as it is close to both Argeen and Ashkeet border crossings. As people continue to move to Northern State, basic services are becoming stretched. On 27 July, the Medical Director of the Halfa Hospital indicated that remaining medicines and medical supplies in the hospital were only sufficient for one more week. Furthermore, the laboratory in Halfa Hospital lacks the supplies needed for different medical tests. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are also affected. Access to safe drinking water is one of the main needs for displaced people at gathering points or shelters, as are sanitation facilities. More than 15 per cent of those displaced by the conflict between the SAF and RSF have taken refuge in River Nile State, which hosts about 467,700 displaced people across 244 locations, according to IOM. All IDPs have reportedly arrived from Khartoum and have taken refuge in Hamad, Ad Damar, Al Buhaira, Al Matama, Atbara, Barbar and Shendi localities. About 78 per cent of the displaced population are living with relatives and 15 per cent have rented accommodations, while the remaining displaced people are either sheltering in schools and public buildings or out in the open in gathering sites.   West Darfur currently hosts about 119,500 displaced people in nine locations across the state, according to IOM. IDPs have been reported in Ag Geneina, Foro Baranga, Jebel Moon, Kulbus and Sirba localities. The vast majority of those displaced have reportedly come from within the state (99 per cent) while others came from Central Darfur, Khartoum and South Darfur. About 73 per cent of the displaced population have taken refuge in shelters, while 27 per cent are living with relatives. On 2 July 2023, inter-communal conflict between Arab and Masalit tribesmen spread to Murnie Town in Kereneik locality. An estimated 87,500 people (17,535 households) were reportedly displaced by this conflict within the state and into neighbouring South Darfur and West Darfur states. Due to insecurity and targeted killings, people from Ag Geneina, Habila, Beida, Forobaranga, Kreneik, Mornei and Sisi localities continue to cross the border into neighbouring Chad.   On 29 July, RSF – supported by Arab militias in more than 100 vehicles and on motorbikes – reportedly attacked Sirba Town (50 kilometres north of Ag Geneina Town), according to the head of the Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), Adam Abdelnabi Al-Sheikh. The Commissioner reported that the entire town has been looted and burned, and an unspecified number of civilians have reportedly been killed. He also reported that about three-quarters of the town’s inhabitants have fled to Kondobei and Bir Dageeg villages in Sirba locality, while others crossed the border to Birak in neighbouring Chad. The remaining residents did not leave the town, as many were children, women and older or disabled people. After the attack on Sirba, the perpetrators went to Kondobei and Bir Dageeg villages, where they intimidated and looted residents’ homes, according to the HAC Commissioner. The de facto Wali (governor) of West Darfur formed a peace committee with representatives of the different tribes in Sirba locality to address the conflict and sign a reconciliation agreement between the tribes. More than 272,300 people have been displaced in 498 locations across White Nile State since the start of the conflict in mid-April, IOM reports. All of those displaced have reportedly arrived from Khartoum State and have taken refuge in Ad Diwaim, Aj Jabalain, Al Gitaina, As Salam/Ar Rawat, Guli, Kosti, Rabak, Tendalti and Um Rimta localities. More than half of the displaced population are living with relatives, 30 per cent are living in camp-like settlements, 9.8 per cent have rented accommodations, and the rest are staying in schools, public buildings or in open areas.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND CHALLENGES Since the start of the conflict in mid-April, humanitarians have worked to ensure the continued delivery of life-saving assistance to people in need, wherever and whenever possible. On 3 August, the first humanitarian convoy to reach East Darfur since the fighting began on 15 April arrived in the state, after a nine-day road trip. OCHA negotiated with the SAF, RSF, state governor, HAC, and community leaders in North and West Kordofan and East Darfur states for the movement of these trucks from White Nile to East Darfur. The SAF and RSF secured the roads in their areas of control, and community leaders supported the movement of the relief items between Tandulti and Um Rawaba in North Kordofan, and from El Fula in West Kordofan to the border of East Darfur state. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also facilitated the first cross-border delivery of food items by the World Food Programme (WFP) from Chad into West Darfur, one of the most food-insecure states in the country. Those supplies arrived in West Darfur on 3 August. Insecurity, bureaucratic access impediments, and looting of humanitarian premises and warehouses across the country continue to negatively impact the delivery of assistance. At least 18 aid workers have been killed, with many others injured or detained, since the start of the conflict in mid-April. Between 15 April and 3 August 2023, there have been 53 attacks on health care, resulting in 11 deaths and 38 injuries, according to the WHO Surveillance System for Attacks on Health Care (SSA). These figures only represent attacks that WHO has been able to verify through its verification system. Attacks on health care include incidents involving hospitals, ambulances, laboratories, warehouses, health workers and patients. Some humanitarian organizations have also been forced to shutter offices or suspend operations in areas they are unable to access due to security concerns, mainly in Khartoum and the Darfur region. Any remaining resources will be used to scale up operations in accessible areas. Funding shortfalls, the limited capacity of humanitarian personnel and government counterparts on the ground, lack of fuel needed for the transportation of humanitarian supplies and staff, lack of access to money in banks, and difficulties in delivering humanitarian supplies to areas outside state capitals due to insecurity have also affected the humanitarian response. These challenges are further compounded by power outages, as well as poor internet and telephone connectivity.

CLUSTER UPDATES Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster: The Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Cluster partners continue to support people affected by the conflict with life-saving food and livelihood assistance. Since mid-April, FSL partners reached 2.03 million people with life-saving food assistance and 45,000 people with life-saving livelihoods assistance. FSL partners also distributed 2,800 metric tons (MT) of seeds benefitting 280,000 people. FSL partners plan to distribute a total of 8,840 MT of cereal seeds to 1 million vulnerable farmers for the planting season. The conflict is undermining the current planting season, coupled with soaring prices of fertilizer and seeds, which is impacting the food security and livelihoods situation in Sudan. The main livestock vaccination laboratory in Khartoum has been closed due to the conflict, and the resulting unavailability of livestock vaccines will also impact people’s livelihoods. Refugee Consultation Forum (RCF): Following the start of the conflict between the SAF and RSF, refugees are facing acute protection risks, including heightened risks of detention, extortion and deportation, according to Refugee Consultation Forum (RCF) partners. There are reports of refugees being stopped by armed elements or prevented from moving from one place to another. Refugees in White Nile State are facing critical gaps in services. Refugee camps were already below SPHERE[1] standards before the conflict, due to chronic funding shortages and a lack of durable solutions, and the fighting that has continued since mid-April has only made conditions worse. As people started arriving in the state from Khartoum, there has been an increase in the number of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) cases, as well as a suspected measles outbreak. About 300 South Sudanese refugee children in the state have died due to suspected measles and malnutrition, according to RCF partners. Since the start of the conflict, an estimated 187,333 refugee movements to new locations in the country have been reported. Most of these movements have been from Khartoum to White Nile State, with South Sudanese refugees accounting for more than 144,000 of the total. RCF partners have verified that 71 per cent are internal secondary movements, of which 16 per cent are women, 14 per cent are men, 34 per cent are girls, and 36 per cent are boys. Between 26 July and 1 August, RCF partners continued to respond to the needs of refugees across the country. In East Darfur, 633 South Sudanese refugees were reached with general protection awareness-raising activities. In South Kordofan and Gedaref states, 1,310 outpatient consultations were provided, and 393 Ethiopian refugees received mental health and psycho-social support (PSS) services. Case management continues to be provided for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and child protection cases, ensuring access to specialized services.  Logistics Cluster: The Logistics Cluster is currently providing storage services to partners at four locations, including in Port Sudan (Red Sea State), Wad Madani (Aj Jazirah State), Kosti (White Nile State), and Gedaref Town (Gedaref State). In the past week, the Logistics Cluster has provided storage space of up to 2,542 cubic meters for four partners at warehouses in Port Sudan, Wad Madani and Kosti. The cluster is in the process of contracting 190 square meters of temperature-controlled storage space for WFP. [1] The SPHERE standards are a set of minimum standards in humanitarian response for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); food security and nutrition; shelter and settlement; and health assistance.

FUNDING Humanitarian partners urgently require additional resources to scale up relief efforts across Sudan. The revised Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requires US$2.6 billion to provide life-saving multi-sectoral assistance and protection services to 18.1 million people through the end of this year. To date, the appeal is only 24.5 per cent is funded, with $628 million received as of 6 August, according to the Financial Tracking Service.

Download the Humanitarian Update here

[Ends]

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]

Sudan: Vaccine hero on front lines uses auto rickshaw

For the past 11 years, immunisation specialist Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb has been protecting children in Sudan from vaccine-preventable diseases. When armed conflict broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Response Forces on April 15, her job got a lot more complicated. Read more.

Article at Forbes - www.forbes.com

UNICEF USABRANDVOICE| Paid Program

Written by Proscovia Nakibuuka Mbonye

Published Thursday 29 June 2023, 12:42pm EDT - here is a full copy:

Vaccination Hero On the Front Lines In Sudan

On June 5, 2023, Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb, a UNICEF-supported immunization specialist at Gezirat Al-Feel Health Center in Sudan, vaccinates a child at a shelter for displaced people. © UNICEF/UN0856032/MOHAMDEEN

For the past 11 years, immunization specialist Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb has been protecting children in Sudan from vaccine-preventable diseases. When armed conflict broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Response Forces on April 15, 2023, her job got a lot more complicated.

Since April, the conflict has pushed an estimated 2.2 million people — including 1 million children — out of their homes in search of safety. Some are displaced inside Sudan, others have fled to neighboring countries.

On June 5, 2023, UNICEF-supported vaccinator Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb jumps into an auto rickshaw with a cold storage bag full of vaccines, en route to a center for families displaced by violence in Sudan.© UNICEF/UN0856025/MOHAMDEEN

Crowded living conditions leave displaced children particularly vulnerable to disease outbreaks

An important part of protecting children from harm is making sure they are up to date on all their vaccinations. But for displaced mothers and caretakers unfamiliar with their new surroundings, finding health facility locations and figuring out which services are offered where can be a high hurdle.

So Ibtisam and her health worker colleagues are innovating to reach displaced children and those in host communities through a coordinated weekly approach: home visits. 

They are determined to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines, despite the challenging times. And nothing will stop them.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb, a vaccinator at Gezirat Al-Feel Health Center in Sudan, arrives at a shelter for displaced people to provide vaccination services for children who have fled violence with their families.© UNICEF/UN0856036/MOHAMDEEN

Home visits ensure every child receives lifesaving vaccines

On a Wednesday morning, Ibtisam arrives at her work station. According to the schedule, this day is designated for immunization outreach targeting displaced children. Her first stop: the Ishgaddi gathering point.

Children and families are arriving daily, taking refuge in places like Madani. Many are living in schools and institutions also known as gathering points, while some are hosted by relatives. The locations have been mapped out by the health workers for easy reach of eligible children, and Ibtisam and her team have created a schedule indicating who goes where and when.

“These days, we have many people arriving, first from Al Damazine and now from Khartoum. We don’t discriminate while offering our services. Every child has the right to vaccination,” she says.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb loads vaccines into a cooler box before heading out to protect more children from vaccine-preventable diseases. © UNICEF/UN0856018/MOHAMDEEN

Some families have their children’s immunization records, others come empty-handed

Vaccines and other supplies are prepped for delivery and Ibtisam is ready to head out to the communities.

“Some families came with health cards containing all the immunization records of their child, which is always helpful," she says. "Others came empty-handed, and some have never been immunized.”

“We don’t say no to anyone. We work together on an immunization plan ... Today I am taking vaccines for measles, meningitis and yellow fever. There are several new mothers in the camp,” she asserts.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb, a vaccinator at Gezirat Al-Feel Health Center, waits for mothers to bring their children for vaccination at a shelter for displaced people. © UNICEF/UN0856026/MOHAMDEEN

UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health are working together to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain of vaccines

On Sundays and Tuesdays, Ibtisam runs static vaccination clinics at the health facility; on Mondays she conducts outreach sessions for displaced communities in camps and shelters.

Given the significant increase in the number of arrivals, the health facility occasionally experiences reduced vaccine stocks. But UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health are addressing these challenges through maintenance of an uninterrupted supply chain of vaccines in 12 states, including Gezira state, where Madani is located.

Using the quickest means of transport to reach the children with vaccines safely tucked into a cooler box that keeps them safe and effective, Ibtisam heads out to the gathering point with several children under 5.

In no time, the mothers with their children congregate around her.

Ibtisam Abdullah Altayeb shares vaccine information with mothers and caregivers who have brought their children for vaccination at a shelter for displaced people in Sudan.© UNICEF/UN0856033/MOHAMDEEN

Outreach programs address vaccine hesitancy

For several years, Ibtisam has witnessed vaccine refusals resulting from myths shared by mothers and caregivers. Today her sessions begin with health education to demystify these myths and rumors. She shares detailed information on all the vaccines a child needs to stay healthy and when the vaccines should be administered, and ends with the overall importance of vaccination to protect kids from killer childhood illnesses.

“We try to educate the mothers, according to their level of understanding. Sometimes we use posters for visual illustration,” she says.

Mothers are her primary audiences because she believes they are key decision makers on childhood vaccinations in their households. “Sometimes fathers oppose immunization. So, we educate the mothers to convince their husbands on the importance of immunizing their children.”

Original: https://www.forbes.com/sites/unicefusa/2023/06/29/vaccination-hero-on-the-front-lines-in-sudan/

[Ends]

South Sudan: Unity State launch measles vaccination

Dr. Mai Puok Machar, a healthcare professional at Rubkona County Hospital, stressed the seriousness of measles as an infectious disease.

He outlined the symptoms, which include high fever (which can spike to over 104°F), cough, runny nose (coryza), red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that typically appears 3-5 days after onset of symptoms. Read more.

Report at Radio Tamazuj - radiotamazuj.org/en
Published 27 June 2023 - here is a full copy:

Unity State launches measles vaccination for returnees

(BENTIU - 27 JUN 2023) - A measles vaccination campaign has commenced in Rubkona and Koch counties in Unity State, targeting returnees, particularly those who recently fled Sudan. The initiative aims to vaccinate individuals aged five months to 15 years.

The campaign launched on Monday is being supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other UN agencies.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Duol Biem, Director General of the State Ministry of Health, said,” We have launched a measles vaccination campaign. Health workers are already in the field, and the operation is estimated to take seven days, considering the population that needs to be vaccinated in Rubkona County and Koch County.”

Biem revealed that a few measles cases were reported in both counties last week. He emphasized the importance of vaccinating all children among the returnees. Furthermore, he stated that the vaccination program would continue indefinitely due to the continuous arrival of people on a daily basis. He added, “Our focus is prevention, and this measles vaccination campaign will span one week, concluding on June 31.”

In a recent report by the Unity State health ministry, 26 cases of measles were confirmed in Rubkona, Guit, and Mayom counties.

Nyadak Gattuor, one of the returnees at Rotriak in Rubkona County, confirmed the launch of the vaccination campaign on Saturday. She shared that her children had already been vaccinated and encouraged all parents to take their children to the vaccination centres in Rotriak and Nyaruop Port.

“Two of my children have been vaccinated, and they are now protected against measles,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mai Puok Machar, a healthcare professional at Rubkona County Hospital, stressed the seriousness of measles as an infectious disease in the community.

He outlined the symptoms, which include high fever (which can spike to over 104°F), cough, runny nose (coryza), red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and a rash that typically appears 3-5 days after the onset of symptoms.

Dr. Mai urged the community to remain vigilant and advised, “I strongly recommend that the community in Unity State ensure their children receive the measles vaccination, as it is the most effective way to prevent this disease.”

According to the World Health Organization, measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission. However, thanks to vaccinations, the severity and mortality rates associated with measles have significantly decreased

View original: https://radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/unity-state-launches-measles-vaccination-for-returnees

[Ends]

South Sudan: Measles outbreak in Unity State

Health authorities in Unity State have confirmed a measles outbreak in Rotriak payam of #Rubkona County, resulting in two fatalities and the identification of nine new cases. #SouthSudan https://t.co/ZtFe7otTxX pic.twitter.com/gM2yOvuVDN

— Radio Tamazuj (@RadioTamazuj) June 23, 2023

[Ends]

_________________________

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor:

Here is information on measles copied from the website of the UK's National Health Service. Measles can spread to others easily. Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears. Also try to avoid close contact with babies, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems. Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

Measles

Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.

Check if you or your child has measles

Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.

Cold-like symptoms

The first symptoms of measles include:

a high temperature

a runny or blocked nose

sneezing

a cough

red, sore, watery eyes

Spots in the mouth

Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259736/view

Small white spots may appear inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips a few days later. These spots usually last a few days.

The measles rash

A rash usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms.

Credit: DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/259737/view

The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.

Credit: Mediscan / Alamy Stock Photo https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-measles-rash-52503125.html

The spots of the measles rash are sometimes raised and join together to form blotchy patches. They're not usually itchy.

Credit: phichet chaiyabin https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/measles-baby-408024505

Information:

The rash looks brown or red on white skin. It may be harder to see on brown and black skin.

If you're not sure it's measles

It's very unlikely to be measles if you've had both doses of the MMR vaccine or you've had measles before.

See other rashes in babies and children

Ask for an urgent medical advice or help if:

you think you or your child may have measles

you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you've not had measles before or you've not had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine

you've been in close contact with someone who has measles and you're pregnant – measles can be serious in pregnancy

you have a weakened immune system and think you have measles or have been in close contact with someone with measles

Measles can spread to others easily. Call your medical centre before you go in. They may suggest talking over the phone.

How to look after yourself or your child

Measles usually starts to get better in about a week.

After seeing a medical professional, there are things you can do to help ease the symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

It can help to:

rest and drink plenty fluids, such as water, to avoid dehydration

take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve a high temperature – do not give aspirin to children under 16 years

use cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently remove any crusts from your or your child's eyes

Important

Stay off nursery, school, or work for at least 4 days from when the rash first appears.

Also try to avoid close contact with babies, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems.

How to avoid spreading or catching measles

Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. There are things you can do to reduce the risk of spreading or catching it.

Do

wash your hands often with soap and warm water

use tissues when you cough or sneeze

throw used tissues in the bin

Don’t

do not share cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, or bedding

Complications of measles

Measles can lead to serious problems if it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or brain.

Problems that can be caused by measles include:

• pneumonia
• meningitis
• blindness
• seizures (fits)

These problems are rare, but some people are more at risk. This includes babies and people with weakened immune systems.

Measles in pregnancy

If you get measles when you're pregnant, it could harm your baby.

It can cause:

• miscarriage or stillbirth
• premature birth (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
• your baby having a low birthweight

It's important to get medical advice if you're pregnant and have been in close contact with someone who has measles.

Immediate action required:

Call for medical help if:

You or your child has measles and:

• shortness of breath
• a high temperature that does not come down after taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
• confusion
• seizures (fits)

Get vaccinated against measles

The MMR vaccine can prevent measles. It also protects you from mumps and rubella. The MMR vaccine is offered to all children in the UK. 2 doses can give lifelong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. Ask a medical professional if you're not sure you or your child have had the vaccine. Find out more about the MMR vaccine

Page last reviewed: 21 February 2022

View original: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/

[Ends]