South Sudan Intensifies Measures to Combat Cholera Outbreak in Renk County
South Sudan has declared a cholera outbreak in Renk County due to increased cases among refugees and the host community. The health authorities have activated a taskforce and enhanced disease surveillance through health worker training and community engagement. WHO is providing support with treatment units and medical supplies. The crisis is exacerbated by flooding and challenging sanitary conditions in the region.
Health authorities in South Sudan have officially declared a cholera outbreak in Renk County, an area situated on the northern border with Sudan, which serves as a significant entry point for refugees and returnees escaping the ongoing armed conflict. By October 28, 2024, there have been a reported 50 suspected cases, including six confirmed cases among refugees, returnees, and the host community. In response, local health authorities have activated a cholera taskforce to facilitate coordinated efforts, involving the national incident management system. To improve disease surveillance, health officials are offering training to all health facilities regarding cholera case definitions and mobilizing boma health workers for active case identification and contact tracing. A total of 30 health workers have been educated in identifying, reporting, and testing for suspected cholera cases as well as sample collection procedures. Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng, acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by refugees and returnees, such as overcrowding and inadequate water and sanitation facilities, which heighten the risk of outbreaks. She noted that the Ministry is collaborating with health, nutrition, and water sanitation and hygiene cluster partners to mitigate the risk of the outbreak worsening. South Sudan is grappling with extraordinary flooding that has resulted in widespread destruction, impacting over 81,300 individuals and displacing approximately 46,500 people in Upper Nile State, where Renk is located. These figures are increasing weekly, further endangering already vulnerable populations to infectious diseases like cholera. The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively partnering with local health authorities to aid in this crisis. They have established two cholera treatment units—one at Renk Civil Hospital with a capacity of ten beds, and another at Wunthou point of entry with four beds—reporting an 80% recovery rate among those hospitalized, who are showing significant improvement. Further assistance includes the deployment of two rapid response teams by WHO, comprising state coordinators, epidemiologists, and experts in water, sanitation and hygiene, infection prevention and control, risk communication, and community engagement, alongside laboratory officers. More public health and laboratory experts are scheduled for deployment within the week. On October 25, WHO supplied 12 metric tons of health emergency kits to Renk, estimated to treat around 74,000 individuals, inclusive of cholera treatment kits for severe and moderate cases, a cholera investigation kit, cholera beds, logistics modules, and tents. Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan, commended the South Sudanese Government for its strong response to the cholera outbreak in such a delicate region, stating that WHO remains committed to bolstering the Ministry of Health in enhancing disease surveillance, improving response coordination, and ensuring medical supplies are available.
The cholera outbreak in South Sudan poses a significant public health challenge primarily due to the ongoing armed conflict in neighboring Sudan, which has resulted in an influx of refugees and returnees escaping violence and instability. Renk County, being the main entry point for these individuals, has seen a surge in cholera cases attributed largely to overcrowded conditions, poor sanitation, and the ongoing effects of unprecedented flooding that has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. The situation necessitates urgent health interventions and coordinated response efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
The ongoing cholera outbreak in Renk, South Sudan highlights the urgent need for coordinated health responses amid the complex interplay of armed conflict, refugee influx, and environmental challenges such as flooding. By implementing swift measures such as activating a cholera taskforce, enhancing disease surveillance, and mobilizing health workers, authorities aim to curb the spread of the disease. Furthermore, the support from the World Health Organization plays a crucial role in providing essential medical supplies and treatment facilities, underscoring the collaborative effort needed to address this public health crisis.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
