By Hou Akot Hou
At least three people have reportedly died from cholera early this month, according to the Northern Bahr el Ghazal state minister of health.
Jaafeer Riiny Riiny pointed to poor waste disposal as a key factor leading to contamination, noting that the outbreak has not yet subsided.
He mentioned that 14 patients have been admitted in Aweil South County, with one patient receiving treatment at the Maper Akot Aru center.
“Two people died in Aweil South County early this month, and one in Aweil Town. Currently, 14 patients are critically ill in Aweil South. We urge the local population to practice good hygiene and seek treatment if they experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting,” Riiny stated.
The minister also mentioned that he is collaborating with health partners to contain the disease and prevent further escalation.
“I have held discussions with health partners to help contain the outbreak, and we need to establish more treatment centers for cholera patients,” he noted.
In another development, the spokesperson for the Abyei community association confirmed on Monday that at least two more people have died from cholera in Amieet earlier last week.
Tong Kuot Tong reported that one of the victims, Mayen Mayen, died while conducting business in Amiet. Mayen hailed from Tiar-aliet payam in Aweil South County.
“The man who died in Amiet is Mayen Mayen from Aweil South County, and another victim, Deng Yak, is from Warawar in Aweil East County. Both died in the Amiet area of Abyei Town,” he stated.
Kuot attributed the cholera outbreak to poor hygiene resulting from inadequate living conditions for many returnees in Abyei.
“Most people in Amieet are returnees who are still stranded here. They returned some time ago but lack proper shelter, leading to unsanitary conditions where people defecate anywhere. This is a major cause of the cholera problem,” Tong explained.
“We are still calling on Governor Simon Ober Mawut to demonstrate his commitment to transporting these people back home to Aweil Town, so they can return to their original places,” he appealed.
It remains unclear whether Governor Ober Mawut will send additional vehicles to repatriate the stranded returnees who are at risk of catching cholera.