Health Emergency Center Directs Support to Darfur and Kordofan

Sudan’s Health Emergency Operations Center Addresses Critical Challenges

The Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) recently convened its 100th regular meeting, focusing on the nation’s health conditions and the ongoing interventions across the country. The meeting took place at the HEOC headquarters within the Ministry of Health in Khartoum, bringing together key stakeholders to assess the situation and plan future actions.

During the session, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, the Undersecretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, commended the dedication and commitment of the center’s staff from various directorates. He highlighted their unwavering efforts since the outbreak of the war, emphasizing their continuous work despite challenging circumstances. The staff has been actively traveling between major cities such as Khartoum, Madani, Kassala, and Port Sudan to provide essential services.

Dr. Haitham stressed the importance of providing direct support to the states of Darfur and Kordofan, as well as leveraging international and UN organizations for additional aid. He reiterated that the Sudanese people are the ultimate focus of all health services, regardless of their location. This commitment includes ensuring that emergency workers in Darfur receive their entitled benefits.

He also called for breaking the humanitarian and health blockade in North Darfur to ensure the delivery of critical services and save lives. This call comes amid ongoing challenges that have hindered access to essential healthcare resources in the region.

Key Health Reports Discussed

The meeting reviewed several critical reports from different directorates, highlighting the current state of public health across the country:

• Cholera: The report indicated 1,913 cases, with 43 deaths recorded in 12 states. This underscores the urgent need for improved sanitation and water supply initiatives.

• Dengue Fever: There were 61 cases reported in Khartoum State, with no fatalities. This suggests a relatively controlled situation but still requires vigilance.

• Measles: A total of 35 cases were recorded in both North Darfur and Khartoum States, with no deaths. This indicates the effectiveness of vaccination programs in these regions.

Additionally, the autumn report revealed that 13 localities in three states were affected by heavy rains, impacting 60 families. This highlights the need for better disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Epidemics

The emergency response report addressed the daily status of the cholera epidemic and the interventions being undertaken to contain it. These include community outreach, distribution of clean water, and medical supplies.

The health promotion report highlighted activities implemented in some states, such as awareness campaigns through media and social platforms, as well as community dialogues. These efforts aim to educate the public on preventive measures and encourage early reporting of symptoms.

Disparities in Medical Supplies

The medical supply report noted significant disparities in the availability of medicines and epidemic control supplies among the states. Out of a total of 56 items, the most abundant supplies were found in North Kordofan, Northern, Al-Gadarif, River Nile, and Kassala States. This disparity emphasizes the need for more equitable distribution of resources to ensure all regions have access to essential medical supplies.

Quarantine and Migration Trends

Regarding quarantine measures, the report documented the arrival of 13,137 people into the country through various entry points, compared to the departure of 12,982 people. Additionally, 142 citizens voluntarily returned from the Sultanate of Oman. These figures reflect the ongoing movement of people and the need for continued monitoring and support for those returning.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing the health challenges facing Sudan, with a focus on collaboration, resource allocation, and community engagement. The HEOC remains a critical hub for coordinating responses to health emergencies and ensuring the well-being of the population.