By Manas James Okony
A principal referral facility in Pochalla, Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), is struggling to cope with a surge in patients amid shortage of essential drugs.
The spike in cases poses a significant challenge for the healthcare system, as Pochalla Hospital is unable to meet the rising demand for treatment.
Amin Opiew, the county health director, reported to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that the hospital’s capacity is outstripped by the rising demand for care.
“We recently received a consignment of life-saving drugs; however, due to the high malaria endemic, there is a shortage in drugs, forcing us to ask our patients to obtain some malaria medications from private clinics,” Amin stated.
The health official characterized the current malaria epidemic as alarming, noting that the hospital sees an average of 70 patients daily, a significant jump from the 30 to 40 patients recorded before May.
Pochalla South County Commissioner Otho Okoti Abic has called for urgent health intervention.
“During my assessment of health facilities, it is evident that our people are suffering without treatment. We appeal to our partners to fill this gap because we lack capacity,” he declared.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The illness is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, with sub-Saharan Africa where South Sudan lies being the most affected area. The disease poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in regions with inadequate healthcare infrastructures.
Symptoms generally appear 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite and can vary from mild to severe.
Typical symptoms include: High fever, chills, sweats, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, malaria can lead to complications such as anemia, respiratory distress, organ failure, or death.
Urgent medical care is required, especially for vulnerable populations like infants, young children, and pregnant women.