Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


UN Appeals for $20 Million to Stop Cholera Outbreak in Sudan

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - U.N. agencies are appealing for $20 million to contain an
   outbreak of cholera in Sudan.

   Since the cholera outbreak was declared on Sept. 8 in Blue Nile and
   Sennar states, Sudan's Ministry of Health reports more than 230 people
   have become ill and eight have died.

   U.N. agencies warn that more than 13,000 people could become infected
   in the next six months if cholera spreads to six other high-risk
   states.

   The spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
   Affairs, Jens Laerke, says heavy flooding has been ongoing since July
   and this is heightening the risk, as cholera is a water-borne disease.

   "Over half of the $20 million is actually expected to go to water,
   sanitation and hygiene interventions," Laerke said. "So, it is a
   comprehensive response. It is urgent. It is a three-month timeline.
   And, of course, the funding is required urgently."

   Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe diarrhea. It can
   kill within hours if not treated quickly. In most cases, people can be
   cured with oral rehydration salts; severely dehydrated people require
   intravenous fluids and antibiotics.

.