Dual outbreak of meningitis and measles among Sudanese refugees: an urgent public health challenge

¹Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Khartoum, Sudan, ²University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies, Khartoum, Sudan

^&Corresponding author
Reem Essam Siddig, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST), Khartoum, Sudan

To the Editors Pan-African Medical Journal    

Disease outbreaks frequently coincide with large-scale population displacement. These scenarios foster optimal conditions for pathogens to spread rapidly, driven by overcrowding, insufficient sanitation, and strained health services. Since the civil war began in Sudan in April 2023, more than 700,000 new refugees have crossed into eastern Chad, raising the total number of Sudanese refugees to over 1.3 million [1]. An increasing number of meningitis cases among Sudanese refugees, with a fatality rate reaching 12%, were reported; Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has issued a critical warning about a rise in meningitis cases in a region hosting hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees. The overcrowded camp conditions promote the spread of pathogens through airborne and droplet transmission [2]. Twenty five (25) children have sadly succumbed to bacterial meningococcal meningitis between March and April. In Adré, Chad a border town near Sudan, out of the 212 who were admitted to MSF facilities. In the same city, measles cases are significantly rising, with numbers climbing from 16 in January to 371 in March, and already 161 cases have been reported in the first two weeks of April [2].

Currently, over 16,600 individuals have been vaccinated against meningitis, and more than 9,400 have received the measles vaccine. Yet there is still a need to enhance routine vaccination at the primary healthcare level, which is crucial, particularly by utilizing mobile teams from health centres to reach nearby areas. Relying solely on reactive campaigns will not be adequate without these sustainable strategies. Another issue confronting the refugees in the camps is the restricted access to water, healthcare, and proper nutrition. This situation contributes to the quick spread of illnesses and heightens the risk of serious complications, particularly for children under five [3]. This simultaneous outbreak of measles and meningitis C in the eastern region of Chad highlights the urgent need for a prompt response. Unfortunately, the humanitarian response is underfunded and facing delays due to insufficient political will, both globally and within Sudan. All parties must fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law. To provide life-saving assistance to 1.4 million people, including 1.2 million children, UNICEF is requesting $111.2 million. It will be directed towards addressing the needs stemming from the Sudanese refugee crisis. Timely support is vital to prevent further deterioration and to ensure that humanitarian efforts are both impactful and equitable [4].

Authors' contribution    

The author has read and approved the final version of this manuscript.

Competing interest     

The author declares no competing interests.

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