News|Sudan warSudan’s Darfur grapples with severe measles outbreak amid ongoing violenceMSF official tells Al Jazeera South Darfur hospital ‘overwhelmed’ by rapid increase in measles cases.

Displaced families in Sudan's Darfur region are currently facing a severe measles outbreak. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the Nyala Teaching Hospital in South Darfur is experiencing an overwhelming number of measles cases. Dr. Ali Almohammed from MSF reported that the facility's capacity is limited, with only 25 isolation beds available for measles patients.

The outbreak is compounded by logistical challenges in delivering vaccines due to both conflict and administrative barriers. MSF has called for the elimination of these obstacles and urged UNICEF to expedite vaccine distribution efforts.

The escalation of violence in Darfur has led to over 100,000 people fleeing their homes in el-Fasher, North Darfur State. The United Nations has identified Darfur as a significant humanitarian crisis, with civilians lacking essential supplies such as medicine and food.

Attacks on healthcare facilities have further deteriorated the situation. The World Health Organization reported that these attacks have resulted in 1,858 fatalities and left 490 individuals injured since April 2023.

The Sudan Doctors Network noted that the RSF recently released nine out of 73 detained medical workers. However, there are calls for the release of all medical personnel and civilians.

Other preventable diseases, including diphtheria and whooping cough, have emerged in the region. MSF highlights that the number of available vaccines is insufficient, describing it as a "drop in the ocean" compared to what is needed.

MSF's statement emphasizes the urgency of addressing administrative barriers to vaccine transport and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the delivery of medical supplies.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.