By Matik Kueth
The total number of people now affected by cholera in Eastern Equatoria State (EES) has hit 1,811, with more people losing their lives, raising the number of deaths to 86, according to the state’s Health Minister, Kuten Thomas Piya.
The rapid spread of the disease across various counties has alarmed health officials and prompted urgent calls for increased support and intervention.
In an interview with King Media on Wednesday, Piya detailed the current situation, noting that the number of cases continues to rise daily.
He outlines the outbreak’s breakdown in some counties, highlighting the crisis’s widespread breadth.
“ The total cases registered in Torit County are 177. The new cases are 58. That’s it from yesterday. There are three death cases in Torit County. In Kapoeta city, East County, Kapoeta South County, the total suspected cases are 1,231. Deaths are 79. New cases in Kapoeta South are four because cases are dropping,” Dr. Piya said.
He explained, “Kapoeta North County, the total cumulative suspected cases are 285. There are five deaths, and the new cases are four. Budi County’s suspected cases are 302, with five deaths and eight new suspected cases. Kapoeta East County has 45 suspected cases, three deaths, and no new cases. Magwi County reports ten suspected cases and one death, with no new cases yesterday.”
Despite the alarming numbers, Piya stressed that the current difficulty is a paucity of medical supplies.
“We have a shortage of medical supplies. We received most of the partners, including WASH partners, who are now dealing with water contamination, training on hygiene and sanitation, and repairing broken boreholes. But we need more partners to come in, especially now with the new outbreak in Torit, to ensure all areas are covered with services and awareness,” he stressed.
The health minister also appealed to the national government to expedite the distribution of vaccines.
“So, I am also appealing to the national government to accelerate the approval of the vaccines so that the people can be vaccinated, because already there are vaccines in the country. People need to be vaccinated against cholera. So, if they can accelerate the provision of the vaccines, it will really be very good. It will save more people,” he urged.
As the outbreak continues to spread rapidly, the call for urgent intervention and increased support remains critical to curbing the disease and saving lives in Eastern Equatoria.