Health

Cholera cases continue to increase with 51,000 infections and 930 deaths, warns MoH.

Published

12 hours ago

May 2, 2025

Cholera cases continue to increase with 51,000 infections and 930 deaths, warns MoH.

Cholera Outbreak Spreading Across South Sudan

The National Ministry of Health in South Sudan has recently reported new suspected cases of cholera in Kapoeta South, Wau, Tonj North, and Gogrial West. The outbreak, which was first declared in October 2024, has rapidly spread across the country, with over 51,000 confirmed cases and 900 deaths as of April 23.

Rapid Response Team Deployed

Dr. Kediende Chong, Director General for Preventive Health Services and Emergency Response, stated that the ministry has deployed rapid response teams to the affected locations to contain the outbreak. The situation is particularly concerning in areas with limited access to medical care and proper sanitation.

Challenges and Progress

Medical aid groups like MSF have cited chronic healthcare gaps, funding cuts, and poor water and sanitation conditions as factors contributing to the spread of cholera. However, there has been progress in some areas, with Unity state and Pibor reporting a reduction in cases.

Prevention and Treatment

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is crucial in preventing the disease. Treatment involves oral rehydration solutions for mild cases and intravenous fluids and antibiotics for severe cases.

Global Public Health Threat

The World Health Organization classifies cholera as a global public health threat, highlighting the importance of addressing inequities and improving social and economic development to combat the disease. Preventing and controlling cholera requires a multi-faceted approach, including surveillance, hygiene promotion, and vaccination campaigns.

Health

EES targets over 378,000 children with measles campaign.

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2025

Peter James

EES targets over 378,000 children with measles campaign.

Eastern Equatoria State Launches Measles Vaccination Campaign

The government of Eastern Equatoria State is targeting to immunize 378,546 children aged 6 to 59 months. The campaign, which was launched on Monday, is a joint effort between the National Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other health partners.

Efficient Vaccination Strategy

The vaccination campaign will not follow the usual house-to-house approach but will instead operate through designated health centers, as stated by the State Ministry of Health. Dr. Amin Gordiano, the state’s acting health director general, assured parents that the vaccine does not have any side effects, encouraging them to bring their children to immunization centers.

Importance of Vaccination

Lelang Caesar Tobiolo, Torit County project coordinator for Health Link, emphasized the importance of the initiative, calling it a “life-saving mission.” Measles remains a leading cause of child mortality in areas with limited health care access, highlighting the necessity of effective vaccines.

Ensuring Safety

UNICEF health project coordinator Peter Simon Osuru pledged to ensure the safe storage of all vaccination materials, guaranteeing the effectiveness of the campaign. Acting State Health Minister Margret Idwa Okuye reassured the public that security measures were in place to reach every child, making Eastern Equatoria a safe environment for health services to operate at the grassroots level.

The campaign aims to prevent outbreaks and protect the health of children in Eastern Equatoria State, showcasing the dedication of health authorities and partners to combat preventable diseases.

Health

Western Bahr el Ghazal Battles Deadly Cholera Surge: 700 Cases, 15 Deaths Confirmed

Published

2 days ago

April 30, 2025

Peter James

Western Bahr el Ghazal Battles Deadly Cholera Surge: 700 Cases, 15 Deaths Confirmed

Western Bahr el Ghazal’s cholera outbreak has reached crisis level. State health authorities confirm more than 700 infections and 15 fatalities, including a worrying cluster inside overcrowded Wau Central Prison. The spike follows Warrap State’s emergency (full Warrap report), underscoring a nationwide threat.

Scale of the Outbreak

State Health Minister Dr Francis Michael Hassan reports 700 cumulative cases and 15 deaths. Wau Central Prison alone has 68 suspected infections, four laboratory-confirmed cases and two inmate fatalities.

“Time is our greatest enemy. Every hour we delay treatment or vaccination, we risk another life.”
— Dr Francis Michael Hassan, Minister of Health, Western Bahr el Ghazal

Prison-First Vaccination Drive

The prison tops the priority list “because overcrowding and poor sanitation accelerate transmission,” Dr Hassan said while launching an emergency campaign to vaccinate all 1,200 inmates and staff within 72 hours.

County Hotspots

Jur River County: 500 confirmed cases — current epicentre.
Wau Town: 94 cases, including two paediatric deaths.
Wau Central Prison: 68 suspected, 4 confirmed, 2 deaths.

Rapid Response Measures

Symptoms first appeared in the prison on 19–20 April. Within 48 hours, a state rapid-response team deployed rehydration supplies, chlorine tablets and dedicated case-management staff.

Cholera Nationwide

By late April, South Sudan had logged an estimated 51,000 confirmed cholera cases and more than 900 deaths. Western Bahr el Ghazal’s surge signals a dangerous westward spread if urgent containment falters.

Protecting Your Family

Health officials urge residents to act immediately:

Keep Oral Rehydration Salts—or mix 6 teaspoons sugar + ½ teaspoon salt in 1 litre of safe water.
Boil or chlorinate drinking water.
Wash hands with soap after latrine use and before eating.
Disinfect household surfaces with chlorine bleach.
Report suspected cases to the nearest clinic within 24 hours.

Download our full household checklist here: Cholera Home First-Aid Guide.

Conclusion

Western Bahr el Ghazal’s surge shows how fast cholera can spread when clean water and sanitation are scarce. Coordinated vaccination, rapid case management and vigilant communities are essential to prevent the outbreak from engulfing neighbouring states.

South Sudan Online will publish daily updates and practical guidance as this health emergency unfolds.

Health

Measles vaccination campaign initiated in Lakes State.

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2025

Peter James

Measles vaccination campaign initiated in Lakes State.

Lakes State Launches Measles Vaccination Campaign

Authorities in Lakes State have launched a 10-day Measles vaccination campaign targeting 297,867 children from 6 months to 5 years. This initiative comes after the State recorded 72 measles cases in various counties, including Rumbek centre, Wulu, Rumbek East, and Cueibet.

Measles Outbreak

Dr. Maker Malok Chieny, Director General of the State Ministry of Health, expressed concerns about the increasing cases of measles in the state. He mentioned that there have been 32 cases in Rumbek East, 27 in Rumbek Central County, 12 in Cueibet County, and 1 in Wulu County. Complications such as pneumonia and blindness have been observed in affected children.

Call for Action

Dr. Chieny appealed to the national Ministry of Health to recruit more vaccinators to reach the community quickly and effectively. Poth Majak Daljang, the State Minister of Agriculture, commended the efforts of the national Ministry of Health and health partners in supporting the vaccination program.

UNICEF’s Commitment

UNICEF Health Officer, Dr. Kawa Koul Tong, emphasized UNICEF’s commitment to partnering with the Ministry of Health to provide essential health services. He stressed the importance of vaccinating all children against measles to prevent the spread of this potentially fatal disease.

Overall, the vaccination campaign aims to protect children in Lakes State from measles and its severe complications. Families are encouraged to bring their children to designated vaccination sites to ensure their safety and well-being.