Cholera Outbreak in South Sudan Results in Nearly 60 Fatalities

A cholera outbreak in South Sudan has resulted in nearly 60 deaths since October 28, 2023, with over 6,000 cases reported. The epidemic is concentrated in IDP camps and affects mainly refugees and vulnerable populations. Government and UN agencies are responding with vaccinations and public health recommendations to mitigate further spread.

A cholera outbreak in South Sudan has claimed nearly 60 lives since its reported onset on October 28, 2023, as confirmed by Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information and Communications. In response to the emerging health crisis, government and United Nations agencies have initiated vaccination efforts following the confirmation of approximately 6,000 cases.

The epidemic is particularly concentrated within internally displaced persons (IDP) camps located in the capital city of Juba, Rubkona County, and Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, as well as among refugee populations in northern regions, specifically in Renk. Lueth highlighted the vulnerability of refugees fleeing Sudan, prompting ongoing containment measures. He further indicated that the Ministry of Health is seeking additional vaccine supplies due to shortages.

The Minister of Health emphasized preventative measures, urging the public to maintain cleanliness in their living environments and to consume warm food, which are crucial steps in safeguarding against cholera.

A statement released jointly by the South Sudan Ministry of Health and UN agencies underscored the outbreak’s impact on refugees, returnees, and local communities, revealing that children under five years old and the elderly are at heightened risk. Contributing factors include overcrowded living conditions, inadequate access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation practices, and insufficient hygiene awareness. Moreover, initial cases of cholera were traced back to an outbreak in neighboring Sudan, which has already affected over 40,000 individuals since April 2023. The UN is actively supporting transit centers to address the needs of displaced populations arriving from Sudan.

Cholera, an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, poses a serious public health threat, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation. South Sudan has long struggled with health infrastructure challenges exacerbated by ongoing conflict and displacement issues. The current outbreak comes amidst humanitarian crises resulting from the influx of refugees from Sudan, where a similar cholera outbreak has unfolded, thus complicating the resilience of health systems already strained in South Sudan.

The cholera outbreak in South Sudan exemplifies the urgent public health challenges faced amid a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by conflict and displacement. With nearly 60 fatalities reported and thousands affected, government and international responses are critical in addressing both the immediate health emergency and the broader factors contributing to this crisis, such as inadequate sanitation and food safety. Strengthening health infrastructure and ensuring clean water access are essential for preventing future outbreaks.

Original Source: news.az