WHO expects death toll increase in Sudan due to poor sanitation
27 Apr 2023 02:33pm
People wait for a bus to flee from southern Khartoum on April 18, 2023 as fighting between the army and paramilitary forces led by rival generals rages for a fourth day, despite growing international calls for an end to hostilities. (Photo by AFP)
"On top of the number of deaths and injuries caused by the conflict itself, WHO expects there will be many more deaths due to outbreaks, lack of access to food and water, and disruptions to essential health services, including immunisation," Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing, reported Sputnik.
He added that 61 per cent of medical facilities are closed in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and only 16 per cent continue working normally.
On April 15, violent clashes between the two parties broke out, with the epicentre in Khartoum. Government forces accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of mutiny and launched airstrikes against their bases. Abdel Fattah Burhan, the head of the Sudanese military, issued a decree disbanding the RSF. The parties have since introduced a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires but the conflict has not been settled yet.
So far, around 600 people have died in the clashes, the Sudanese Health Ministry said. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has reported over 450 deaths and said more than 4,000 people have been injured. - BERNAMA-SPUTNIK
