SEATTLE — Bordering the Red Sea in northern Africa, The Republic of Sudan is the third largest country in Africa. Although Sudan is rich in land and natural resources, poverty is still abundant; and this is mainly due to the lack of public aid institutions. In addition to the long-standing ethnic and rebel-militia conflicts with Darfur, South Kordofan, the Blue Nile in Khartoum, and other areas bordering the southern part of the Republic.
Public resources are unequally allocated in the Republic of Sudan with 97 percent of the water supply being dispensed to the agricultural sector. Only 2 percent of fresh water is available for domestic use, and oftentimes the water sanitation is questionable.
Poverty in Sudan does not impact the domestic life only. Most of Sudan’s accessible underground water is shared with nearby nations, like Ethiopia and Egypt. Accessing other countries water supply only increases tensions.
According to the Water Systems Analysis Group at the University of New Hampshire, approximately a quarter of Africa’s population suffers from what the UNEP calls water stress. This phenomenon happens when political or economic problems arise between nations because of limited water access.
The impact of water shortage can have devastating effects as it happened with the Cholera outbreak this past July in Sudan. Cholera happens when food or water are contaminated with Bacterium Vibrio Cholera, and it is especially dangerous for individuals suffering from malnourishment. Approximately 271 cases of Cholera have been reported, including 14 deaths.
The severity of the issue is currently being addressed by Sudan’s Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO’s representative for South Sudan, Dr. Abdulmumini, stated in a recent press release, “The risk of further spread of diseases is a major concern. With the coming rains, it is realistic to expect an increase in malaria and water-borne diseases. Consequently, we can expect medical needs to increase.” This is why Sudan is urged to resolve the water issue in order to prevent further outbreaks from happening.
UNICEF was one of the first organizations to send aid to Sudan, supplying relief aid and focusing on incorporating basic cleanliness practices, such as frequent hand-washing through their tool kit initiative. They especially focused on cholera through the Al Shufaa’a Al Soghar initiative to help ensure an outbreak like this does not happen again.
As necessary as aid may be during times of crisis, non-profit organizations, such as The Water Project, are always making progress to combat poverty in Sudan. The Water Project aims to provide safe and reliable water for entire families. They focus on building wells, small dams and spring protections by involving locals in their team.
The project collaborates with partners such as Sudan’s Never Thirst, and Water Harvest International to empower those directly affected by water stress so they are able to repair systems when necessary, and continue to provide clean water for all local people.
In order to truly eliminate severe poverty, the Republic of Sudan must not only rely on international resources for aid, but refocus their attention on supplying clean water, which is the one key fundament to ensuring a decrease in poverty rates.
– Veronica Ung-Kono
Photo: Flickr