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Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
The Ministry of Health in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State has confirmed the deaths of at least three people due to a cholera outbreak during the first two weeks of June, as infection rates continue to rise amid growing concerns over the deteriorating health situation in the region.
State Minister of Health Jaafeer Riiny Riiny described the health conditions as alarming, attributing the outbreak primarily to poor waste management and inadequate sanitation. He noted that two deaths were recorded in Aweil South County, while the third occurred in Aweil Town.
Riiny stated that 14 patients have been admitted to health facilities in Aweil South County, with one patient currently receiving treatment at the Maper Akot Aru center.
“We urge citizens to maintain personal and environmental hygiene and to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting,” he added.
The minister also confirmed that his office has begun coordinating with health partners to contain the outbreak and that efforts are underway to establish additional treatment centers in the affected areas.
In a related development, the Abyei Community Association reported two more cholera-related deaths in the Amiet area. Spokesperson Tong Kuot Tong confirmed that the victims were Mayen Mayen from Tiar-aliet in Aweil South County and Deng Yak from Warawar in Aweil East County.
According to Kuot, both individuals died in Amiet, a district of Abyei Town. He attributed the outbreak to the poor living conditions faced by returnees stranded in the area.
“Most people in Amiet are returnees who have not yet been able to return to their original homes. They are living in unsanitary conditions with no proper shelter, and open defecation is widespread. This has significantly contributed to the spread of cholera,” Kuot explained.
He called on the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Government to intervene urgently, urging Governor Simon Ober Mawut to fulfill his promises to facilitate the return of displaced persons to Aweil.
“We are appealing to the governor to send more vehicles to help transport the returnees, who are now increasingly vulnerable to cholera,” he said.
It remains unclear how the state government will respond, while fears mount that the crisis could escalate further unless immediate action is taken to contain the disease and improve basic services in the affected areas.
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