UN Warns of Rising Malaria Cases Amid Severe Flooding in South Sudan

The UN highlights a surge in malaria cases in South Sudan due to severe flooding affecting 1.4 million people. The country’s healthcare system is under strain, and initiatives like the new R21 malaria vaccine are being launched to combat the disease, which poses a significant threat, particularly to children.

The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding an increase in malaria cases in South Sudan due to unprecedented flooding affecting nearly 1.4 million individuals, displacing over 379,000 people amid rampant food insecurity. The flooding, primarily affecting the northern regions, has placed considerable stress on healthcare systems as they struggle to manage the rising incidence of malaria. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 43 counties are currently grappling with the impacts of this flooding, which has exacerbated the situation in the contested Abyei region, claimed by both South Sudan and Sudan. In response to this health crisis, South Sudan, alongside Côte d’Ivoire, commenced the administration of the new R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine earlier this year, targeting high-risk children. The Ministry of Health has received more than 645,000 doses, which have been distributed across 28 counties with the highest malaria burden. This initiative represents a critical advancement in the fight against malaria, one of the deadliest diseases globally, particularly in South Sudan, which logs an average of 7,680 malaria cases and 18 fatalities per day, according to the World Health Organization. Malaria is notably the leading cause of death among children in South Sudan, with UNICEF reporting 2.8 million pediatric cases and approximately 6,680 deaths in 2022. Health professionals remain hopeful that the R21 vaccine may significantly alter the dire daily realities they face, alleviating the financial strain on the government which heavily invests in antimalarial drugs and testing kits. Reports indicate that, in 2023, 85 percent of the population at risk is protected through the use of recommended mosquito nets, which remain a vital preventive measure against malaria.

South Sudan presents a critical case for concern due to its extreme vulnerability to climate variations and humanitarian crises. Longstanding issues such as flooding have compounded existing challenges, leading to significant population displacement and health strains. The country faces one of the highest rates of malaria globally, with the disease prevalent among children and contributing to high mortality rates. Planned interventions like the introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine signify an urgent reprioritization of public health strategies amid an ongoing humanitarian disaster.

In conclusion, the rising incidence of malaria in South Sudan, fueled by catastrophic flooding, underscores the urgent need for effective public health interventions. The introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine along with increased accessibility to mosquito nets represents a significant step towards combating this deadly disease. However, continuous support and resources are paramount to address the underlying vulnerabilities and health risks faced by the population.

Original Source: newscentral.africa