By Deng Athian
In a move to prevent the further spread of Cholera in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, the state government approved an allocation of SSP 100 million, during its council of ministers meeting held last Friday.
This funding is part of an urgent response to the alarming health crisis that has emerged in the state
The approval followed a thorough presentation made by the state Minister of Health, Riny Riny Lual, who brought to light the situation regarding the cholera outbreak.
Minister Riny reported that since the declaration of the outbreak a few months ago, over 130 suspected cases of cholera have been documented.
He said this surge in cases highlights the urgent need for effective intervention measures.
Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. Cholera causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Left untreated, cholera can be fatal within hours, even in previously healthy people.
Modern sewage and water treatment have virtually eliminated cholera in industrialized countries. But cholera still exists in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Haiti.
The risk of a cholera epidemic is highest when poverty, war, or natural disasters force people to live in crowded conditions without adequate sanitation.
Cholera is easily treated. Death from severe dehydration can be prevented with a simple and inexpensive rehydration solution.
Residents are urged to practice good hygiene by regularly washing their hands with soap, especially before eating or preparing food.