By Bosco Bush
Ministry of Health received a cheque worth one billion South Sudanese Pounds from the Ministry of Finance and Planning to combat the cholera outbreak in South Sudan.
South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024. As of 7 January 2025, more than 17,581 cases have been reported nationwide, with a case fatality rate of 1.5%.
Rubkona County is one of the 31 hotspot areas experiencing cholera outbreaks accounting for 50 percent of reported cases.
The Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, MSF and various other partners has initiated cholera campaigns to protect vulnerable populations from the severe diarrheal disease.
To enhance the response efforts, the Ministry of Health on Monday announced receipt of 1 billion SSP significant boost in their efforts to combat the Cholera outbreak.
“The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning delivered a cheque of 1 BILLION SSP to support essential response initiatives. The cheque was graciously received by Undersecretary for Health, Dr. Harriet Pasquale, who confirmed that this much-needed funding is now in their hands,” it stated.
“This is a major step forward in the battle against this preventable disease, and we are hopeful that it will mark a turning point in the response efforts,” read the statement on the ministry’s Facebook page.
Last week, Ministry of Health and its partners launched a cholera vaccination campaign in Bentiu, Unity State to combat the spread of the disease into other areas.
The campaign in Bentiu followed similar cholera campaigns launched in Renk, Malakal and Juba.
In a statement, Minister Awel urged communities to adopt safe water and sanitation practices, while recognizing the phenomenal dedication of healthcare workers on the frontlines in the fight against cholera.
The Minister emphasized the urgent need for more healthcare resources and collaborative partnerships.