Health authorities in El Fasher town of Sudan’s North Darfur State have reported a concerning spike in diseases, with 3,127 new malaria cases recorded within a week.
Additionally, eight cases of dengue fever were confirmed, according to a report from the Technical Committee for Health Emergencies in North Darfur.
Dengue fever symptoms include fever, muscle pain, nausea, and rashes, but it tends to be more severe and sometimes fatal on repeat infection.
A medical source from El Fasher Southern Hospital, who chose to remain anonymous, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the rates may be even higher. He attributed the rise in dengue fever and malaria cases to deteriorating living conditions for families affected by the ongoing conflict.
Many are unable to access healthcare facilities, especially those residing far from treatment centres in El Fasher, according to the source.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Mohammed Al Doma, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Health in North Darfur State, highlighted the significant increase in malaria infections in El Fasher.
He also pointed out several challenges, including shortages of malaria medicines for children under 5, a lack of emergency supplies, inadequate support from organizations to combat epidemics, and long delays in disbursing workers’ benefits. These issues have exacerbated the health crisis in the state, he added.
North Darfur State is one of the areas affected by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).