2024-11-19-世界卫生组织-Sudan_conflict_–_Situation_in_refugee-hosting_countries,_Multi-country_External_Situation_Report_6,_covering_the_reporting_period_October_2024_13页_1mb

Sudan Conflict – Situation in Refugee-Hosting Countries Summary

Core Content

This report outlines the health situation and WHO's response in refugee-hosting countries affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, covering the period up to October 2024. It highlights the scale of displacement, the spread of infectious diseases, and the challenges faced by health systems in managing the crisis.

Key Highlights

• Displacement Scale: Over 11.6 million people have been displaced globally, with more than 2.4 million crossing into neighboring countries including Chad, South Sudan, Libya, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.
• Health Emergencies: Multiple infectious disease outbreaks, including cholera, hepatitis E, and measles, are reported in several host countries.
• Infectious Disease Trends:
  • Chad: Malaria, acute respiratory infections, and acute watery diarrhoea are prevalent. Hepatitis E and dengue fever are also circulating, with 3482 suspected cases and 12 deaths reported. Mental health support is urgently needed.
  • South Sudan: A cholera outbreak was declared in Renk County, with 52 suspected cases and 16 confirmed cases. There is also a cVDPV2 polio outbreak in eight counties. Flooding has worsened the situation, affecting 58 health facilities and over 1.4 million people.
  • Libya: Malaria cases are increasing. WHO has delivered over 11,600 consultations, including mental health and nutrition services. Plans for capacity building and disease surveillance are ongoing.
  • Ethiopia: Malaria is rising in host communities and refugee camps, particularly in the Amhara region. SAM and dysentery cases are also reported.
  • Central African Republic: Hepatitis E and measles outbreaks are ongoing, with increased cases in October. WHO has conducted surveillance and vaccination campaigns.

Main Points

Disease Outbreaks

• Cholera: Active in South Sudan (Renk County), with 52 suspected cases and 16 confirmed cases. WHO and partners are implementing a coordinated response.
• Hepatitis E: Outbreaks are reported in Chad and the Central African Republic. Poor water and sanitation infrastructure exacerbates the spread.
• Measles: Outbreaks are reported in Chad and the Central African Republic.
• Other Diseases: Dengue fever, acute respiratory infections, malaria, and acute watery diarrhoea are widespread across all host countries. Polio (cVDPV2) is also a concern in South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Health System Challenges

• Access to Services: Limited access to essential health services due to physical barriers, lack of supplies, and insufficient health workers.
• Resource Shortages: Shortages of medical supplies, diagnostic kits, and drugs such as antimalarials and rapid diagnostic tests are a major issue.
• Infrastructure Damage: Flooding has damaged health facilities and disrupted service delivery.
• Mental Health Needs: Over 25,000 refugees require mental health support, but resources are limited.

Operational Activities

• Surveillance and Response: WHO is using tools like EWARS Mobile to enhance disease surveillance and early warning systems.
• Vaccination Campaigns: WHO supports the introduction of new vaccines and ongoing campaigns for polio, measles, and tetanus/diphtheria.
• Capacity Building: Training programs for health workers, EMTs, and community leaders are being implemented to improve response capabilities.
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): WHO provides psychotropic medications and supports mental health initiatives, including community-based complaint mechanisms.

Key Operational Challenges

• Resource Mobilization: A significant funding gap limits the ability to scale up health responses.
• Early Warning and Response (EWAR): Inadequate surveillance systems hinder timely and evidence-based decision-making.
• Health Service Delivery: Overcrowding, shortages of medical supplies, and damage to health facilities impede service provision.
• Health Worker Shortages: Lack of trained personnel in emergency response, infectious disease treatment, and mental health.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) / WASH: Poor water and sanitation infrastructure increases the risk of disease outbreaks.
• Insecurity: Ongoing hostilities between armed groups threaten the safety of civilians and complicate humanitarian operations.

Next Steps

• Continued Health Preparedness and Response: Support for surveillance, rapid response teams, WASH, case management, IPC, and risk communication.
• Restocking Supplies: Financial and logistical support to replenish drug supplies, diagnostic kits, and IPC/WASH materials at PoEs.
• Capacity Building: Training of health workers and EMTs to improve response and service delivery.
• Strengthening SRHR Systems: Continued support for seven streams of sexual and reproductive health and rights activities, including datasets for HIV and gender-based violence.

Other Resources

• WHO Reports:
  • Public Health Situation Analysis - Sudan Complex Emergency
  • Sudan Nutrition Sector – Vulnerability Analysis
  • WHO Steps Up Cross-Regional Efforts for Sudan's Humanitarian Emergency
• UNHCR Operational Data Portal: Sudan Emergency – Regional Refugee Response Plan
• IOM Reports: DTM Sudan - Monthly Displacement Overview
• ReliefWeb Publications: Sudan Famine Prevention Plan 2024
• Health Cluster Reports: Sudan Health Cluster

Summary of Key Figures