WHO NEWS
Survey finds up to 10 000 died each month in Darfur
At least six thousand and as many as 10 000 people died in Sudan's Greater Darfur region every 30 days between 15 June and 15 August, according to estimates based on the initial results of a survey of internally displaced people in western and northern Darfur.
The survey, which is being conducted by WHO, Sudan's Ministry of Health and the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology, found that half to three-quarters of the deaths of children aged less than five years were linked to diarrhoea. WHO said that these could easily be prevented by simple cost-effective measures, such as providing improved access to clean water and better sanitation.
The initial findings of the survey, which was released on 13 September, also found that an estimated 15% of all deaths were linked to injuries and violence. The survey among internally displaced people in southern Darfur was interrupted in early September but has since been resumed. The full results are not yet available, WHO said.
"This survey confirms what the humanitarian community has suspected for some weeks. The results, along with the other information gathered by our staff, tell us that the people in Darfur need more assistance," said Dr LEE Jong-wook, WHO's Director-General.
An estimated 1.2 million Sudanese have fled their villages, which were under attack by militias, and have taken refuge in 129 camps across Darfur. Their displacement has triggered one of the world's greatest humanitarian disasters and a major international relief effort is underway to help them.
In western Darfur which has an estimated 498 500 internally displaced people, the study found a crude mortality rate the mortality rate from all causes of death for a population of 2.9 displaced people per 10 000 per day during the eight-week period.
In northern Darfur with an estimated 382 600 internally displaced people, the figure was lower with a crude mortality rate of 1.5 displaced people per 10 000 people per day.
Both surpassed the threshold of one death per 10 000 people a day that defines a humanitarian emergency.
WHO said the findings underscore the urgent need to scale up humanitarian assistance in Darfur and, in particular, to improve access of all internally displaced people to drinking-water, water and soap for washing, sanitation, and quality health care. 