Health Ministry Launches Intensive Campaigns and Approves Emergency Budgets to Break Dengue Surge

The Federal Emergency Operations Center, during its regular meeting held today at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Khartoum, revealed alarming epidemiological developments, as surveillance data recorded a sharp spike in dengue fever cases, reaching 6,976 cumulative infections and five deaths — a record increase compared to last year. The surge has been concentrated in Khartoum, Al-Gezira, White Nile, and River Nile states.

Reports also indicated an expanding map of outbreaks, with a rise in malaria cases and continued reporting of hepatitis E infections in Al-Gezira State.

Meanwhile, measles outbreaks have been documented in Tawila locality in North Darfur and in Al-Duweim and Tandalti localities in White Nile State.

Conversely, the response report pointed to the activation of emergency operation rooms in Northern and Al-Gezira states, as well as the preparation of the polio reference laboratory in Red Sea State. The situation has been compounded by mounting displacement pressures, with more than 58,000 families affected.

For his part, Federal Minister of Health Professor Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim directed that the highest level of preparedness be declared to confront the measles and hepatitis outbreaks, stressing the urgent need to bridge gaps in malaria medications ahead of the upcoming rainy season. He announced the approval of emergency budgets for dengue control campaigns in Khartoum and Northern State, calling on states and localities to assume their pivotal responsibilities.

In a candid message reflecting the gravity of the situation, the minister urged stakeholders to “think outside the box” in managing funding and pharmaceutical supply chains amid prevailing regional and international challenges, in order to ensure continuity of health services and prevent the collapse of preventive systems in the face of escalating epidemic waves.