Sudan reports 15th coronavirus case

The Sudanese Ministry of Health reported a new Covid-19 patient on Thursday. Nearly 240 suspected coronavirus cases are in quarantine in Sudan’s isolation centres. UN partners in Sudan have updated the Covid-19 Response Plan, created to support the government's efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

The latest patient is a Sudanese in his 40s who recently arrived from the United Arab Emirates. He is currently receiving medical care in an isolation centre.

The new case brings the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country to 15. All of them were recorded in the capital. The first and the sixth patient died.

Reportedly only two cases, patient no 8 and patient no 12, were infected through direct contact with other patients in Khartoum. The others arrived from abroad.

According to the Health Ministry, there are currently 238 suspected coronavirus cases in Sudan’s isolation centres.

Response plan, initiatives

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Sudan said in its latest Situation Report on Thursday that UN partners in the country updated the Covid-19 Country Preparedness and Response Plan created to support the government of Sudan and national preparedness for the spread of the coronavirus.

The plan, which requires $47 million to implement, focuses on public health measures and covers a three-month period. The plan will be updated on a monthly basis or if the situation changes.

The private sector and organisations in Sudan launched several initiatives to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the country. The Businessmen’s Union, telecommunications companies, and the Banking Union have pledged 200 million Sudanese pounds (nearly $2 million) as a first payment to support the government’s health plan to address the coronavirus pandemic.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Sudan supplied and installed laptops, devices and two teleconference facilities to ensure that Sudan’s key government offices can continue functioning while observing physical distancing.

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