Hepatitis E Outbreak in Darfur: Pregnant Women at Risk

Strategic Insights -

A hepatitis E outbreak in Darfur has been confirmed, threatening the lives of pregnant women, with a fatality rate of up to 20% in this vulnerable group. The World Health Organization reports 625 cases and 22 deaths, while the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warns of a potential epidemic among internally displaced persons. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, with six of eight reported fatalities coming from a single camp in Western Darfur. This outbreak underscores the need for increased donor support for humanitarian efforts in Darfur, with UNFPA requesting $3.14 million to support pregnant and lactating women and prevent and treat sexual violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The hepatitis E outbreak in Darfur has resulted in 625 reported cases and 22 deaths, with a fatality rate of up to 20% among pregnant women.
  • Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the virus, with six of eight reported fatalities coming from a single camp in Western Darfur.
  • The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is requesting $3.14 million to support pregnant and lactating women and prevent and treat sexual violence.
  • The outbreak highlights the need for increased donor support for all sectors of the humanitarian effort in Darfur, including food, water and sanitation, and healthcare.
  • The United Nations has received only half of the funds requested for urgent humanitarian needs between now and December 2004.
  • UNFPA's executive director, Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, emphasizes the importance of greater international support for all sectors of the humanitarian effort.

Statistics:

  • 625 reported cases of hepatitis E in Darfur
  • 22 reported deaths due to hepatitis E in Darfur
  • 20% fatality rate among pregnant women with hepatitis E
  • $3.14 million requested by UNFPA to support pregnant and lactating women and prevent and treat sexual violence
  • Half of the funding requested by the United Nations for urgent humanitarian needs between now and December 2004 has been received.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
  • OBGYN & Reproduction Week
  • NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net