Sudans sole functioning hospital treats tropical diseases in war-torn region

Sudanese Health Ministry Reports 37% of Facilities Out of Service Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Sudanese health ministry has confirmed that approximately 37 percent of the country’s health facilities are currently out of service due to the ongoing conflict. The war, which began on April 15, 2023, has had a devastating impact on the healthcare system.

According to reports, Omar Othman, a gold miner from Abu Hamad town in northern Sudan, was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis after experiencing symptoms such as a cough and chest pain while working in the capital city of Khartoum. He received treatment at the Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital in Omdurman, where laboratory tests confirmed his diagnosis.

However, Othman’s experience highlights the challenges faced by patients seeking medical attention in Sudan. During his second visit to the hospital, he was unable to obtain essential medication due to its unavailability, forcing him to purchase it privately at a high cost.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified and documented at least 217 attacks on health infrastructure in Sudan, resulting in the deaths of 2,052 healthcare workers. The organization warns that disease outbreaks will continue to have catastrophic impacts, particularly for children, given the country’s high rates of malnutrition and low immunization coverage.

The Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital in Omdurman was shut down for nearly two years due to the war but has since restarted some operations. However, hospital officials acknowledge that huge challenges remain, including funding and repairing damaged wards.

Outpatient clinics continue to operate at the country’s first specialized infectious disease hospital, receiving large numbers of patients daily. The hospital relies heavily on support from health and humanitarian organizations to meet basic needs. Staff are under strain due to rising patient numbers and limited resources, with some reporting significant improvements in conditions before the war.

Source: Al Jazeera