WHO and partners battle multiple disease outbreaks in South Sudan

WHO and partners battle multiple disease outbreaks in South Sudan

Infectious diseases continue to pose a major public health threat in South Sudan. Adding to the chronic burden of disease, regular outbreaks further threaten people's health.

 In a conflict setting, WHO and partners are responding to multiple outbreaks including cholera, malaria, measles, suspected hemorrhagic fever, and kala-azar.

“In spite of the insecurity, WHO is taking every opportunity to ensure that we reach the people with health care services to protect them at this time when the health system has crumbled,” says Dr, Abdulmumini Usman, WHO Representative to South Sudan. 

Displaced people risk cholera

Cholera was confirmed in Juba on 21 July 2016 in the aftermath of the recent escalation of violence in Juba where clashes between the military and opposition forces resulted in hundreds of people dead and thousands displaced. As of 6 September 2016, a total of 1762 cholera cases, including 26 deaths had been reported from five states: Juba, Terekeka, Jonglei, Eastern Lakes and Imatong. 

WHO is working with partners to respond to the cholera outbreak, including treating approximately 1700 cholera patients and sending health promoters to visit around 88 000 households with prevention messages and items such as water purification tablets, oral rehydration solution and soap. Additionally, WHO has participated in an extensive health promotion campaign which has reached over 2 million people countrywide with cholera prevention messages through radio talk shows, radio spots and interviews on 17 radio stations.

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