...a Moslem country located in the Horn of Africa. It is noted for its affinity for rule by ex- or current generals, its holy men, and for the oppression of the native Afro population by its Arab conquerors. South Sudan, populated mostly by the natives, split off from Sudan proper, which left North and South Darfur to be oppressed by the guys with turbans...has declared a cholera outbreak in Gedaref State after four of the 264 suspected cases were confirmed and 16 deaths associated with the deadly disease reported since September 25.
Investigations, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), are ongoing to determine whether cholera has also spread to Khartoum and South Kordofan states, where increased cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been reported.
The WHO Representative in Sudan, Dr. Nima Abid visited Gedaref on 17 September and met with health authorities and partners to coordinate responses.
"Unhindered access to affected and neighbouring localities is essential to respond effectively to the ongoing outbreak," said Dr Abid.
He added, "A cholera outbreak can have a devastating effect in the context of a health system already overstretched because of war, shortages of medical supplies and health workers, malnutrition and access challenges."
According to WHO, supplies that included antibiotics, oral rehydration solution and intravenous fluids were already provided to six states, including Gedaref, Khartoum and South Kordofan before the outbreak of cholera was declared.
Also provided, it stated, were rapid diagnostic test kits to all the 18 states of Sudan.