The South Sudan Humanitarian Fund has allocated $8 million to tackle the ongoing cholera outbreak in six high-risk areas, according to Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. The funds will address urgent health, water, sanitation, and hygiene needs in Renk, Malakal, Maban, Aweil East, Rubkona, and Jamjang.
“These locations face heightened risks due to significant population movement and inadequate health and sanitation services,” Gbeho said. The funds will focus on early detection, treatment, infection control, and access to clean water and improved sanitation, targeting approximately 730,000 people.
Since cholera was declared in Renk on October 28, over 5,900 cases have been reported across seven of South Sudan’s ten states. Rubkona in Unity State accounts for 47% of cases, followed by Malakal in Upper Nile State with 20%. Vaccination efforts began in Renk on December 10, covering 105,000 people, with additional campaigns planned for Malakal, Juba, Aweil West, and Canal/Pigi counties.
During a visit to Malakal on December 17, Gbeho emphasized the need for strong coordination between the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and partners to reduce morbidity and prevent further spread.
The South Sudan Humanitarian Fund, supported by donors including Germany, the UK, and Sweden, plays a vital role in funding life-saving responses to health emergencies and strengthening community resilience. Gbeho called for continued donor support to sustain efforts against the outbreak.