By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have announced the procurement of essential drugs and medical supplies for Aweil South County.
This proactive measure aims to combat a recent surge in cholera cases, signaling a concerted effort to contain the outbreak and protect communities.
The move comes as health officials warn of increasing vulnerability, particularly with the onset of the rainy season, which often exacerbates waterborne diseases.
The procured medical supplies include cartons of Ringer’s Lactate, boxes of Azithromycin tablets, boxes of Ciprofloxacin tablets, and boxes of medical gloves.
The medical supplies were handed over to the county response team at Wathmuok Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) on Thursday by the Acting State Minister of Health, Daniel Deng Deng.
He was accompanied by the State Chairperson for Human Rights Commission, Hon. Santo Ajith Angony, and officials from the County Health Department, among others.
Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial disease, can spread rapidly in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water, especially in flood-prone conditions.
The conflict in neighboring Sudan has also led to population movements, potentially straining existing infrastructure and increasing the risk of disease transmission.
The drug procurement effort is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s public health response.
The County Health Department in Aweil South County recently established plans to deploy rapid response teams, enhance surveillance systems, and intensify health education initiatives at the community level.
These efforts aim to promote safe water practices, proper handwashing, and the early reporting of symptoms.