By Hou Akot Hou
Two minors have reportedly died of food poisoning at Akuang-ngap boma in Aweil West County, Northern Bahr El Gazal State.
Emerging reports indicate that improper cooking of food caused the death of the children.
The first incident unfolded on Wednesday when a mother was accused of having cooked green leaves, giving it to the children, eventually leading to death of the first child.
According to health official at Nyamlel hospital, one child died on the way to hospital after experiencing diarrhea.
“The incident occurred when the mother cooked green vegetable and that was purported to be reason that led to the death of a minor identified as Achuil Bol” Lual Khamis, Deputy Nyamlel hospital director, said.
“Her other sibilings identified as Aman Bol and Achol were also taken seriously ill and rushed to Aweil and their conditions are being monitored,” he added.
However, on Thursday evening, health officials in Aweil Civil hospital also pronounced one of the affected children to have succumbed to this food poisoning.
According Aweil West County police inspector, Mr. Philip Agany, the matter is under investigation.
‘We have gone to the scene but the same is what the neighbors told us that the mother was also found unconscious on the same night they ate the unknown vegetable.
He said the mother of the deceased children became unconscious and people broke into the room and found them down,” he explained.
The police officer blamed the incident on lack of proper parental care, despite good feeding that parents could render to their children.
South Sudan is being ranged as one of the countries in Sub -Sarah Africa facing food insecurity.
It remains to be seen how the country battles out the food deficits amidst challenges of hosting thousands of refugees and returnees from Sudan, coupled with Internal conflicts and economic crises.