Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SudanTribune
Published on 2024-03-26 00:59:25
Heba Al-Makki, the head of Sudan’s Central Committee of Health Officers, is calling for urgent environmental health surveys in war-affected states, specifically addressing the extensive use of explosives and landmines during the conflict that pose significant threats to returning displaced people. In a recent interview with Sudan Tribune, Al-Makki stressed the importance of scientifically conducted environmental assessments to determine if the environment is safe for displaced populations to return home.
Not only focusing on the war zones, Al-Makki also expressed concerns about potential health risks within Khartoum itself. The disruption of sanitation services and disease control efforts in the city raises red flags. There are also unconfirmed reports on social media about the use of landmines to secure military headquarters in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri. If these rumors are true, Al-Makki warned that the lives of citizens returning home are in grave danger and urged authorities to clarify the situation and provide maps for safe removal of any landmines present.
The challenges facing a return to normalcy in Khartoum outlined by Al-Makki include the looting and destruction of specialized laboratories, hospitals, and pesticide stores, potential leakage of dangerous materials, samples, and toxins from damaged sites, decomposing bodies left behind during the conflict, and the potential resurgence of pre-war diseases like dengue and malaria due to a halt in control efforts. She did acknowledge the efforts of the Ministry of Health and volunteers who buried a significant number of bodies in Omdurman.
Al-Makki emphasized that only comprehensive health and environmental surveys in Khartoum can confirm or dispel these public health and environmental concerns. Without data-driven evidence, discussions about the safety of returning citizens remain speculative, and this lack of accountability could have dire consequences.
In conclusion, Heba Al-Makki’s call for urgent environmental health surveys in war-affected states, particularly in Khartoum, highlights the importance of addressing the potential health risks and environmental threats posed by the conflict. It is crucial for authorities to conduct thorough assessments and provide necessary support to ensure the safety and well-being of displaced populations returning home. Addressing these challenges will be essential in rebuilding communities and preventing further health crises in the region.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
