By Bosco Bush
Authorities in Juba County have reported that at least 27 people have died in Juba due to a cholera outbreak in South Sudan.
During a prayer service at Rejaf Diocese Church, Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon warned that the situation could have been much worse during the rainy season.
“More than 27 people have succumbed to the disease,” said Emmanuel Tete, adding, “If this outbreak had occurred during the rainy season, it could have affected more than 10,000 people.”
To contain the spread of the disease, a vaccination campaign was launched, targeting over 50,000 individuals in Juba.
Vaccination centres have been established, including one in Gurei. Additional centres are being identified to respond effectively to potential outbreaks or suspected cases; otherwise, people are “facing a potential catastrophe,” the commissioner indicated.
The Commissioner emphasized the critical importance of hygiene measures, urging the public to prioritize handwashing with soap and clean water.
“If soap is unavailable, lemon can be used as an alternative,” he added.
The outbreak follows a surge in cholera cases, with 1,342 cases reported last week alone within a Protection of Civilians (PoC) site.
In an earlier report, South Sudan Red Cross reported that 199 people have succumbed to cholera countrywide.
Renk and Malakal in Upper Nile State, Juba in Central Equatoria State, and Bentiu in Unity State are among the areas where suspected cases have been reported since the outbreak was confirmed.
The South Sudan Red Cross states that it has already reached more than 40,000 people across the country.
However, with the influx of Sudanese refugees fleeing armed conflict and the exacerbation of poor sanitation due to flooding, cases are expected to surge in the coming days.
The organization further noted that, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and other health partners, it has already established nine Oral Rehydration Points in Renk town to minimize the spread of the virus.
Currently, the South Sudan Red Cross is actively raising awareness about the outbreaks in schools, homes, and public gatherings with the support of traditional leaders. Communities have also been advised on safety measures for handling dead bodies using safety and dignity kits.
The organization stated that the nine Oral Rehydration Points will provide oral rehydration solutions to individuals suspected of exhibiting cholera symptoms before referring them to Cholera Treatment Centers (CTCs).
It further noted that access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation facilities in cholera hotspots will be crucial in mitigating some of the triggers of the epidemic.
It is estimated that approximately 500,000 vulnerable people are affected by floods and the cholera outbreak across the country. This necessitates over CHF 9 million in Food Response funds to support life-saving operations in the country.
This situation highlights the ongoing public health challenges that South Sudan faces as it continues to grapple with the aftermath of years of conflict.