The Sudanese Doctors’ Union has confirmed a very high number of dengue fever cases in Port Sudan, the capital of the Red Sea state, and in the state in general. This is particularly prevalent among children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
The number of dengue fever cases in the Red Sea state is estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000, with around 1,000 cases in Port Sudan, most of which are children.
The Sudanese Doctors’ Union stated that the resources in government hospitals are inadequate to provide the necessary services for patients. It mentioned that resources were scarce even before the outbreak of the war, highlighting a significant deterioration in recent months since the start of the conflict.
Additionally, it pointed out that the treatment for dengue fever primarily relies on intravenous solutions, which are available, but patients have to purchase them at their own expense.
In August, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) expressed concern about the deteriorating health conditions in Sudan, including in refugee camps, border entry points, and temporary reception centers in neighbouring countries.
The spread of dengue fever comes after more than five months of fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces that erupted on April 15.
It’s worth noting that the medical sector in Sudan faced various challenges hindering the provision of services to patients even before the outbreak of the war.