A measles outbreak combined with severe malnutrition is becoming “deadly” for Sudan, the World Health Organisation warned on Thursday.
The country is braced for the rainy season and a rise in waterborne diseases, as the war drives Khartoum's medical infrastructure close to collapse.
Two-thirds of hospitals in the capital have been affected by the conflict and are not functional, with medical workers displaced, and those remaining suffering from attacks and a severe lack of funding, WHO representative in Sudan Dr Nima Saeed Abid said from Port Sudan.
At least 1,100 people have been killed since war broke out between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan's army on April 15, Dr Abid said, although the numbers are “very underreported” because only functioning hospitals are providing figures to the WHO.
“The public health impact is huge because organisation activities have stopped. We also currently have a major outbreak with 30 deaths,” he said.
This outbreak has spread to 10 states, affecting two – the Blue and White Nile states – more than others.
Other diseases are also a threat.
“Vector control activities have stopped. Malaria, dengue fever, Rift Valley fever – all of these are endemic in Sudan,” he said, with an upcoming rainy season increasing their risk.
Speaking from Chad, which is hosting nearly half of the 850,000 people who have fled Sudan, the WHO's Dr Jean-Bosco Ndihokubwayo said 65 children under the age of five have died due to severe malnutrition.
“Severe malnutrition brings up depression of the immune system and combined with measles … has huge effects,” he said.
Refugees have also arrived across the border from Sudan with “trauma, gunshot wounds, long-delayed illnesses and other effects of infection outbreaks,” said Dr Magdalene Armah, Incident Manager for Sudan crisis.
She also warned about the spread of malaria, cholera and yellow fever in combination with malnutrition and high levels of mental health issues.
The WHO has repeatedly sounded the alarm about the major lack of funding in its operations to deal with Sudan crisis, with only $20m out of its required $178m being met.
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School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
