KHARTOUM, Sudan
Sudanese
health authorities said early this week that seven medical doctors died from
COVID-19 in 10 days, a development that reflects Sudan’s sharp rise in cases in
recent weeks. Nearly 100 deaths were recorded in the past month.Sudan treatment centre
A statement issued by Sudan's ministry of Health said the seven
doctors “worked tirelessly” to treat COVID-19 patients, prevent the spread of
the ailment, and protect the lives of the Sudanese people. COVID-19 is the
illness caused by the coronavirus.
The government called their deaths a huge loss for the country
as it continues to fight the pandemic and described the doctors as “true
heroes,” who died defending their people.
According to the ministry, the dead professionals are Dr. Kamil
Mohammad Abdullah - a consultant ophthalmologist, Dr. Iman Ahmed Al Bashir,
director of Khartoum state’s Department of Mother and Child Health at the
Ministry of Health, Dr. Naeem Abdurrahman - an ophthalmologist in Jazeera
state, Dr. Izzeddeen Mahmoud Abdo, - a consultant in medical laboratories and
Professor Al-Tom Surajaddeen, a medical laboratories consultant.
Others are Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim Al-Tahir, - a radiologist and Professor
Ahmed Ahimer, - a World Health Organization immunization expert and former
director of child immunization in Blue Nile State.
Late last week, Sudanese education authorities postponed the
reopening of schools for two weeks, due to a steep rise in cases.
Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking cases globally, says
on its coronavirus dashboard that Sudan currently has 16,052 confirmed cases
and 1,197 deaths.
Acting Health minister Dr. Osama Ahmed Abdurrahim told reporters
in Khartoum that the coronavirus is still spreading in communities across
Sudan. The minister said everyone, including top government officials, should
practice social distancing, wear face masks, and adhere to all other preventive
measures.
“All levels of government in the country, being the Sovereign
Council, councils of ministers, corporations or government institutions, they
should show a serious commitment towards following the precautionary measures
because the government is [taking] the lead in fighting this pandemic,” said
Adurrahim.
He said his ministry is still weighing whether to call for a
national lockdown. Khartoum state Governor Ayman Khaled Nimer directed all
public and private institutions in Khartoum state to operate at 50 per cent of
their normal workforce, except for essential sectors such as medical
facilities.
The order bans all large public gatherings, including wedding
parties, graduations and other social events. - VoA
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