War and neglect fuel deadly measles epidemic in Sudan’s Darfur
Summary
A measles outbreak in East Darfur, Sudan, has infected about 1,000 people and killed around 70, mainly children, in a population of 12,000. The outbreak worsened due to a lack of medical care, vaccines, and doctors, as many left after the war started. A vaccination campaign began in April to try to control the spread.Key Facts
- The measles outbreak began in January in East Darfur, Sudan.
- About 1,000 people have been infected and around 70 have died according to local sources; government figures are lower.
- Many doctors left the area after the war, leaving few qualified medical staff.
- Vaccines arrived late in April from Chad through UNICEF.
- Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe illness or death, especially in young and malnourished children.
- There is no specific cure for measles; treatment focuses on preventing complications and supporting patients.
- The war caused the collapse of healthcare services, stopping routine vaccinations.
- Families often have to pay for medicines to treat complications themselves.
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