Arop Jonchol
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a grave warning over the escalating cholera outbreak in South Sudan, where the death toll has risen to nearly 1,000, and confirmed and suspected cases have surpassed 50,000. There are growing concerns that the actual number of cases may be even higher due to underreporting.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Thursday, Dr. Agrey Kaijuka Batirigiza, WHO Representative in South Sudan, stated that the disease has now spread to more than 40 out of 79 counties. He noted that response efforts have included the vaccination of nearly 5 million people.
Dr. Batirigiza highlighted that cholera poses a severe threat, particularly in areas with weak healthcare infrastructure, limited access to clean water, and poor sanitation systems, conditions that greatly heighten the risk of transmission among vulnerable populations.
Local and international health bodies continue to ramp up efforts to contain the outbreak through awareness campaigns, vaccine distribution, and initiatives to improve access to safe drinking water. WHO has called for urgent support to scale up the humanitarian response and prevent further loss of life.
