A civil society initiative in Sudan’s Blue Nile state has called for a comprehensive public health emergency to be declared across the state, urging the authorities to close the state capital, Ed Damazin, for a full week to contain the epidemic and carry out sanitation measures. The group says around 4,000 dengue* fever cases have been recorded, with between two and four deaths reported each day.

Ali Hajo, secretary-general of the Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative, told Radio Dabanga that dengue fever is spreading rapidly and at an alarming rate across the state, particularly in the northern districts of Ed Damazin, and has now reached Roseries district.

He said the cost of intravenous fluids has risen sharply, with a single bag costing between SDG 4,000 and SDG 5,000, putting treatment beyond the reach of most residents, who are already facing severe economic hardship.

On conditions in displacement camps across Blue Nile, Hajo said displaced people are living in extremely difficult humanitarian conditions, with inadequate access to water, food and shelter. Recent rains, he added, have washed away camps and temporary shelters, leaving women and children exposed to harsh weather and floodwater.