Infectious Disease · Pediatrics · Public Health · 3 h ago
WHO reports measles, malnutrition deaths among refugee children in Sudan
WHO and UNHCR report that more than 1,200 refugee children under five died in nine camps in Sudan’s White Nile state between 15 May and 14 September, amid suspected measles and severe malnutrition. The agencies also describe outbreaks and worsening health-service capacity across neighboring countries receiving people fleeing the conflict.
- More than 1,200 child deaths reported in Sudanese refugee camps
- South Sudan reported 5,770 suspected measles cases
- Half of affected South Sudanese children were unvaccinated
- Agencies cite conflict and shortages limiting health services
UNHCR teams in Sudan’s White Nile state reported more than 1,200 deaths among refugee children under five in nine camps from 15 May to 14 September. The deaths were attributed to a suspected combination of measles and high malnutrition; more than 3,100 suspected measles cases were reported in the same period. The figures are agency reports, not results from a formal epidemiological study.
Outbreaks and health-system pressures were also reported in neighboring countries. South Sudan recorded more than 5,770 suspected measles cases and 142 deaths, with children under five accounting for nearly 70% of cases and 76% of deaths; half of affected children were unvaccinated. In Ethiopia’s Amhara region, 435 suspected cholera cases and eight deaths were reported by 12 September. In Chad, nearly 13,000 children under five screened were found acutely malnourished.
WHO, UNHCR and partners report providing food, health supplies and vaccination support, including measles vaccination for more than 53,000 children in Sudan’s Blue and White Nile states and campaigns reaching 1.2 million children in Chad. The agencies cite conflict, attacks on health services, shortages and barriers to humanitarian access as major constraints. Reported cases are suspected, and the figures reflect conditions during a humanitarian emergency rather than independently verified study estimates.
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World Health Organization: UNHCR, WHO warn of deteriorating health conditions as 1200 children die of suspected measles, malnutrition in Sudan ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.