South Sudan Escalates Response to Cholera Outbreak Amidst…

Health authorities in South Sudan have declared a cholera outbreak in Renk County, reporting 50 suspected cases, including six confirmations. A cholera taskforce has been activated, training health workers for improved surveillance and response. Severe flooding in the region complicates the situation, increasing vulnerability to infections. WHO assists with treatment facilities and emergency supplies. Health officials are seeking to minimize the outbreak’s spread among refugees and local populations.

Health authorities in South Sudan have announced a cholera outbreak in Renk County, located near the northern border with Sudan. This region serves as a critical entry point for refugees and returnees fleeing ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan. As of October 28, 2024, officials reported 50 suspected cases, including six confirmed cases among refugees, returnees, and local residents. In response, health authorities activated a cholera taskforce at the county level to ensure a coordinated approach to containment. The national incident management system has also been engaged to further bolster the response efforts. To strengthen disease surveillance, health officials are providing essential training to all health facilities regarding cholera case definitions and mobilizing health workers to conduct active case finding and contact tracing. So far, 30 health workers have been trained on identification, reporting, and testing for potential cholera cases, along with guidance on sample collection techniques. Yolanda Awel Deng, South Sudan’s Minister of Health, stated, “The Ministry of Health is aware of the difficult conditions refugees and returnees face, such as overcrowding and poor water and sanitation, which can lead to outbreaks; however, the Ministry is working with health, nutrition and water sanitation and hygiene cluster partners on the ground to ensure that the risk of the outbreak spreading is minimized.” Currently, South Sudan is grappling with severe flooding, impacting over 81,300 individuals and displacing nearly 46,500 more in the Upper Nile State, where Renk is situated. This ongoing natural disaster exacerbates the vulnerability of populations to infectious diseases, including cholera. The World Health Organization (WHO) is collaborating closely with local health authorities and partners to provide support in establishing cholera treatment facilities. Two cholera treatment units have been set up: one at Renk Civil Hospital, accommodating 10 beds, and another at the Wunthou point of entry, with four beds available. The recovery rate stands at 80%, with many hospitalized individuals showing considerable improvement. Moreover, WHO has deployed two rapid response teams comprised of state coordinators and specialists in epidemiology, water and sanitation hygiene, infection prevention and control, and laboratory services. Within the week, additional public health and laboratory professionals are set to join the response efforts. On October 25, WHO delivered 12 metric tons of healthcare emergency kits to Renk, which are expected to provide treatment for approximately 74,000 individuals, including specific cholera kits suitable for both severe and moderate cases. The shipment also includes logistical supplies and equipment necessary for cholera treatment and investigations. Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Representative in South Sudan, remarked, “I commend the Government of South Sudan on its high-level response to the cholera outbreak in this fragile area of the country. WHO is committed to supporting the Ministry of Health in enhancing disease surveillance, improving response coordination, and ensuring the availability of medical supplies.”

Cholera is a highly infectious disease mainly spread through contaminated water or food. South Sudan’s ongoing challenges include instability from conflict, extreme weather conditions, and inadequate infrastructure, which hinder public health efforts. With many individuals living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions—particularly refugees—it is critical to implement effective surveillance and rapid response strategies to combat potential cholera outbreaks and safeguard community health.

In summary, South Sudan’s health authorities are actively addressing a cholera outbreak in Renk County amid the trials posed by ongoing conflicts and severe flooding. With substantial support from the WHO and extensive preparations underway, the aim is to efficiently manage the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations from further risks related to cholera and other communicable diseases. The collaborative efforts of various health organizations highlight a proactive approach to prevent the spread of this infectious disease.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int