A severe malaria outbreak in Sudan has claimed at least 55 lives, including 39 children, in West Darfur over the past three weeks, according to hospital officials cited by local Sudanese media.
Health facilities in the state capital, El Geneina, are facing increasing pressure as hundreds of patients seek treatment daily.
Dr Al-Shafie Saleh Younis, medical director of El Geneina Hospital, said the reported fatalities included 39 children and 16 adults.
The growing number of infections has placed additional strain on healthcare services, with medical teams facing shortages of essential medicines and supplies.
Sudan malaria outbreak puts hospitals under pressure
Dr Younis described the current malaria outbreak as particularly severe, with patient numbers rising sharply in recent weeks.
He said more than 500 patients are visiting El Geneina Hospital daily, while over 75 require admission.
Hospital administrators have opened additional wards to accommodate the growing number of patients.
However, medical teams continue to struggle with shortages of essential supplies, particularly medicines used to treat malaria.
The increasing demand for treatment has placed significant pressure on healthcare workers and hospital resources.
Children account for majority of malaria deaths
Children have been particularly affected by the malaria outbreak in West Darfur.
According to figures provided by the hospital director, 39 of the 55 reported deaths were children.
The remaining 16 fatalities were adults.
The figures highlight the serious health risks facing vulnerable patients as infections continue to rise.
Health officials have warned that shortages of medicines could make it more difficult to provide timely treatment and prevent further deaths.
Health officials appeal for urgent medical assistance
Dr Younis has appealed to international health organisations for urgent support to help healthcare facilities respond to the outbreak.
He warned that inadequate medical supplies could further undermine efforts to treat the growing number of malaria patients.
The hospital director also called for additional assistance to health centres in communities outside El Geneina.
Improving access to medicines in surrounding areas could help patients receive treatment closer to home.
It could also reduce pressure on El Geneina Hospital, where hundreds of people are seeking medical care each day.
West Darfur launches mosquito control campaign
Authorities in West Darfur have launched a three-day campaign targeting mosquitoes and other disease vectors.
The initiative focuses on displacement shelters in El Geneina and surrounding communities.
Officials aim to reduce malaria transmission and limit the growing pressure on healthcare facilities.
However, authorities have acknowledged that insecticide supplies remain limited.
The shortages could affect the campaign’s ability to reach communities at risk of further infections.
Humanitarian support needed as malaria cases rise
The surge in malaria cases has highlighted the urgent need for additional medical resources in West Darfur.
Health officials say improving access to treatment, strengthening local health centres and expanding mosquito control measures are important priorities.
They have also emphasised the need for greater international assistance to support healthcare workers responding to the outbreak.
As hospitals continue to face rising patient numbers, medical teams are working to provide care while calling for additional supplies to prevent further loss of life.