• A girl evacuated from Sudan looks through the window of a bus after arriving in Jakarta, Indonesia. Reuters
    A girl evacuated from Sudan looks through the window of a bus after arriving in Jakarta, Indonesia. Reuters
  • Damaged buildings after clashes between the RSF and the army in Khartoum. Reuters
    Damaged buildings after clashes between the RSF and the army in Khartoum. Reuters
  • Iraqi and Syrian evacuees arrive at Baghdad International Airport. Reuters
    Iraqi and Syrian evacuees arrive at Baghdad International Airport. Reuters
  • Passengers fleeing from Sudan reach Argeen, Egypt. EPA
    Passengers fleeing from Sudan reach Argeen, Egypt. EPA
  • A woman waves a Saudi flag in Jeddah after being evacuated by the kingdom. Reuters
    A woman waves a Saudi flag in Jeddah after being evacuated by the kingdom. Reuters
  • Britions board a Royal Air Force plane in Sudan, for evacuation to Cyprus. AFP
    Britions board a Royal Air Force plane in Sudan, for evacuation to Cyprus. AFP
  • Kenyan student Hubbi Abdirahman greets relatives in Nairobi after she was evacuated from Sudan. EPA
    Kenyan student Hubbi Abdirahman greets relatives in Nairobi after she was evacuated from Sudan. EPA
  • Sudan evacuees cross the Nile on a ferry taking them to Abu Simbel city, Egypt. Reuters
    Sudan evacuees cross the Nile on a ferry taking them to Abu Simbel city, Egypt. Reuters
  • A V sign for victory as people rescued from Sudan arrive at Stansted Airport in south-east England. Getty Images
    A V sign for victory as people rescued from Sudan arrive at Stansted Airport in south-east England. Getty Images
  • Burnt-out cars during clashes between the RSF and the army in Khartoum. Reuters
    Burnt-out cars during clashes between the RSF and the army in Khartoum. Reuters

Cases of severe infection soar among children as bodies rot in Khartoum's streets


Nada AlTaher
  • English
  • Arabic

Cases of severe disease, including meningitis, among children have risen by at least threefold in Khartoum as rotting bodies in the war-torn streets of Sudan create the perfect environment for infection to spread, a doctor at one of the few remaining paediatric hospitals in the capital has told The National.

“Rotting corpses and widespread looting that has left behind food waste … have caused an environmental hazard on Sudan's streets,” said Mohammad Fath Abdulrahman, general manager of Al Nada Hospital in Omdurman.

Since the war between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army broke out on April 15, more than 700 civilians have been killed and countless others wounded.

Exact numbers are difficult to obtain, as security concerns prevent doctors from visiting certain areas to carry out assessments.

“The mortality rates amongst children at our hospital stands at 5 per cent – which is high – but it's due to the severity of cases and shortage of necessary equipment,” Dr Abdulrahman said.

“We are receiving children with meningitis who are in a very critical state because they arrived at the very last possible minute.”

Meningitis is an inflammation in the brain and spinal cord caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

Since the war began, videos of uniformed men lying dead in residential areas have been circulating on social media. People have also described seeing bodies wrapped in blankets, waiting to be collected.

Residents, doctors, UN officials and humanitarian workers say that homes, hospitals and aid have also been looted.

The presence of human remains and rotting food following looting in marketplaces “have led to a severe lack of hygiene in the streets”, Dr Abdulrahman said.

“This has helped create the spike in meningitis cases we've been seeing.”

A burnt-out bank branch in southern Khartoum. AFP
A burnt-out bank branch in southern Khartoum. AFP

The war has also resulted in banks being robbed or closed down, leaving people with no access to funds.

“People are having to sell their possessions just to eat. So money is a concern when it comes to getting treatment,” Dr Abdulrahman said.

'Healthcare collapse'

At least 80 per cent of hospitals in conflict areas in and around Khartoum are out of service, the latest figures from Sudan's Doctors' Association show.

In addition, Khartoum is the country's healthcare centre, so the impact of fighting there has had major repercussions nationwide.

“Work in elective surgeries has mostly stopped. Now, hospitals are mainly dealing with emergency cases like war trauma patients and others who need dialysis and chemotherapy, for example,” Dr Faisal Nugud, director of the Sudanese American Physicians Association's regional office in Madani, told The National.

“Khartoum was also the main supplier of medicines and medical care. Consumables are depleting, including dialysis solutions, chemotherapy needs and surgical tools like gauze and gloves.”

Doctors and healthcare workers have been appealing for assistance.

“The humanitarian situation is dire,” Dr Nugud said.

Although the warring sides have agreed to a ceasefire on several occasions, fighting is still continuing.

“I expect a major collapse in the healthcare system” if the situation continues, Dr Nugud said.

Dr Abdulrahman, who has chosen to stay in Omdurman despite the chaos and violence to help those most in need, agreed.

“We are operating at a loss right now. But we have to remain open,” he said.

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Director: James Cameron

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The Farewell

Director: Lulu Wang

Stars: Awkwafina, Zhao Shuzhen, Diana Lin, Tzi Ma

Four stars

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Copa del Rey

Semi-final, first leg

Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
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Second leg, February 27

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Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

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On sale: now

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Popular Vote Tally

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Transmission: 8-speed auto

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Transmission: 9-speed auto

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Updated: May 26, 2023, 6:32 AM