The South Sudan Ministry of Health has confirmed a cholera outbreak in Renk County, Upper Nile State, following six verified cases and 44 additional suspected instances. Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng addressed the media in Juba, emphasizing the government’s determination to curb the cholera spread in the affected area.
During her address, Minister Deng acknowledged the harsh living conditions faced by refugees and returnees, such as overcrowding and inadequate sanitation, which contribute to the likelihood of outbreaks. She assured the public that the Ministry is collaborating with health and sanitation partners to mitigate the outbreak’s risk.
The Minister stated that the Ministry of Health, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), has initiated protocols for effective case management, ensuring that all reported cases are addressed promptly. She encouraged the communities to adopt safe health practices, including regular hand washing, proper food handling, and the use of latrines, especially during the outbreak period.
Minister Deng advised the public to remain calm and adhere to safety guidelines. Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Country Representative in South Sudan, praised the Ministry of Health for its timely declaration of the outbreak. He noted that this action empowers the public to engage in preventative measures, facilitates the mobilization of health partners, and unlocks essential resources for managing the situation.
Dr. Karamagi confirmed that the WHO had strategically positioned medical supplies for cholera management in Renk and Malakal and reiterated the organization’s ongoing commitment to support the South Sudanese government and partners in controlling the outbreak.
He highlighted WHO’s role in bolstering disease surveillance, enhancing response coordination, and ensuring the availability of medical supplies, including support for case management, laboratory testing, and transportation.
Thanks to funding from the European Union’s Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), WHO has been able to deploy experts and provide crucial technical and logistical assistance.
With WHO’s backing, the Health Ministry has reactivated a cholera task force at the national, state, and county levels to coordinate all response efforts, improve surveillance, and enhance partner coordination. This includes supporting the County Health Department and State Ministry of Health in addressing potential outbreaks and actively engaging in community outreach efforts.
