The spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Alyona Synenko described as “disastrous” the health situation in Sudan, Khartoum in particular, amid concerns of electricity and clean drinking water supply.
Khartoum: Altaghyeer
Synenko said “the onset of the rainy season has raised the fear of outbreaks of waterborne diseases” given the situation that resulted from the ongoing fighting in the country.
Fierce fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)in Khartoum and other areas in April 15.
The ICRC and satellite TV media reports show thousands tonnes of garbage and countless decomposed bodies still in the open, posing potential risks of health and environmental disasters. Moreover, the use of unsafe drinking water will possibly lead to health hazards.
The situation is further exacerbated by inability to transport medicines to areas in need coupled with closure of majority of the hospitals. The ICRC estimates that only 20% of health facilities are still functioning.
Rapporteur of the Sudanese Doctors Union, Attia Abdallah Attia, has described the health situation in the country as disastrous indicating that his syndicate fears spread of diseases. The medical staff and facilities have been attacked during the fighting, he added.
