Juba - Achol Ajak, a 35-year-old resident of Bor is grateful that her family is now vaccinated and protected from cholera. Ajak stated that she was one of the first individuals to receive the cholera vaccine on the inaugural day of the cholera vaccination campaign launch in Bor South County, South Sudan.

“We feel safer now, the threat of cholera has diminished. My family and I are deeply grateful for the care we have received and extend our thank the health workers for their dedication to our community.” said Ajak

In response to the cholera outbreak in South Sudan, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, launched reactive oral cholera vaccination campaigns in Renk, Malakal, Rubkona, Juba, Bor South, Mayom, and Aweil West counties, targeting over 2.13 million individuals. Similar campaigns are planned for other counties experiencing outbreaks. Given the current overcrowding in displacement sites and the limited access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, the risk of cholera transmission remains high. South Sudan is currently facing a cholera outbreak, making action imperative.

“To protect our communities, prevent further transmission, and control this outbreak, we are implementing every aspect of the national cholera prevention and control plan,” emphasized Hon. Dr Harriet Pasquale Akello, Undersecretary, Ministry of Health, South Sudan. “This urgent response requires a collaborative effort that prioritizes coordination and swift action to avert widespread outbreaks while also seeking sustainable solutions to combat cholera.

“We are immensely grateful to our partners, particularly WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, for their crucial support in providing vaccines to ensure our population is protected against cholera, said Hon. Deng.”

Dr Pasquale further urged all stakeholders in the health sector to rally necessary support, especially financial resources, to establish robust preventive measures and ensure that cholera does not take hold in the country.

Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative for South Sudan, echoed these sentiments, stating, “amidst the ongoing humanitarian crises and cholera outbreaks in South Sudan, these mass oral cholera vaccination campaigns serve as a protective measure for vulnerable populations while paving the way for sustainable, long-term health interventions.”

With support from the International Coordination Group (ICG), 4.1 million doses are secured for use in areas with confirmed cases to tackle the cholera outbreak in hotspots nationwide. The vaccination sites have witnessed a significant turnout of individuals eager to get vaccinated, representing a crucial step toward their health and safety.

Recently, an OCV request was approved for an additional 1.1 million doses and vaccines are in the process of arriving in the country.

Cholera continues to pose a public health threat, especially to children, women, and other vulnerable groups in South Sudan. The recurrence of these outbreaks highlights the ongoing susceptibility of the population to this preventable and treatable disease.