By Matik Kueth
The government of Unity State has reported 11,583 suspected cholera cases and 267 related deaths since the epidemic was declared in October 2024, with the disease spreading rapidly across the state.
Gatwich Biphal, Unity State’s Information Minister, told King Media on Wednesday that the number of affected persons continues to rise despite immunization efforts.
He stated that the state government has engaged health organizations to provide proper sanitation measures in order to prevent more infections.
“So far, the cholera has infected 11,583 people. And the death case is 267. There are three interventions that the state government has instituted so far. First, vaccination is ongoing for now. That’s the first thing,” Biphal said.
He added, “Second, the state government has engaged other partners to take the pillory to improve the sanitation. The third is that, at least, people are being encouraged not to infect others to encourage social distancing. These are the things the state government has embarked on.”
Biphal said health officials have been disseminating health messages to residents, particularly those living in swampy areas, to avoid drinking uncoiled water and to practice good personal hygiene in order to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Gatwich Biphal, Minister of Information, Communication and Postal Services, Unity State [Photo – Courtesy]
He noted that the state received 225,000 ORVs and lamented that the quantity of the dose was insufficient because the number of patients ailing is increasing daily.
The information minister further pointed out that the state’s health facilities are severely lacking in oral rehydration solutions and immunizations.
“And this is… that 225,000 is equivalent to 225,000. It means each dose, each person. It’s not enough. I know the population of Unity State, as for now, is 1.5 million. So, it means that we need more doses,” he stressed.
However, John Mut Bol, Director General for Unity State’s Ministry of Health, stressed that the extent of the crisis may be much greater because many infections are treated at home due to distance and a shortage of cholera doses.
He urged health organizations to send more doses to Unity State in order to prevent the disease from spreading.
The cholera outbreak first declared in October 2024 has rapidly spread across South Sudan with more than 13,000 cases and 300 deaths – as Unity recorded the highest number of cases.
On December 31, 2024, the United States Embassy in Juba announced that it was collaborating with humanitarian partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to address the ongoing cholera outbreak in South Sudan.
The US Embassy also said that it was contributing financing to UN agencies and the medical charity MSF to deliver emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services as well as life-saving medical care throughout South Sudan.
Other significant measures include supporting vaccination campaigns, providing treatment kits and diagnostic testing, and promoting public awareness to combat cholera.