
By.Emmanuel M Garjiek
According to local health officials, 73 individuals have died from cholera in the previous week, out of 3,700 reported cases in Unity State.
The majority of the deaths were documented at Rubkona Hospital, Bentiu Hospital, the health facility in Riohriak Payam, and the MSF-managed Bentiu IDP Camp.
John Mut Bol, Director General of the State Ministry of Health, confirmed the 73 deaths and stated that 2,000 of the 3,700 patients had recovered from the condition and been discharged from the four health facilities.
“However, 700 cases remain current and are being treated in four locations. The six counties of Leer, Mayiendit, Koch, Mayom, Guit, and Rubkona have all reported cholera. He explained that only Panyijiar County had no cases. “The counties outside Bentiu did not report deaths and most of the deaths happened in Rubkona Town, Bentiu Town, Riohriak Health Cente,r and Bentiu IDP Camp which are all in and around Bentiu.”
Meanwhile, Rubkona County Executive Director Jal Kuol verified the deaths and the increase in the number of cholera cases.
“Cholera kills young people, the elderly, and children.” “The state health ministry and its partners, particularly MSF, are doing their best to assist after the number of deaths increased,” he noted. “However, the cases of people who died of cholera at home were not included in the data of the dead.”
Dak Thak, a resident of Riohriak Payam, said the cholera outbreak last month impacted the town because there was no knowledge and people drank untreated river water.
“We lack awareness from health authorities and a large section of the population do not know how to wash their hands,” the man complained. “When you do anything, you must first wash your hands.”