By Manas James
Ayod County in Jonglei State has been hit by a severe drug shortage, with residents relying on traditional medicines for treatment, local officials said.
Duk County commissioner, James Chuol Jiek said they ran out of life-saving drugs since April, and that the situation becomes difficult following an influx of returnees.
He said lack of linkages to the state and other areas to access health services is also another factor.
“We are disconnected from the rest of the state because there are no roads. So now the locals only rely on traditional medicines,” he said.
The Commissioner appealed to government and health agencies should intervene and avert our suffering.
“Now the situation is exacerbated with the arrival f returnees from Sudan and the local population now relies on herbs,” he said.
One county resident, John Gatjiek, also decried the dire health situation.
“Last week, I lost my daughter because doctors were not able to rescue her after vomiting. There are no drugs at this facility,” the commissioner stressed.