Malaria Cases Surge in Yei River County as Health Officials Raise Alarm

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Health authorities have reported a sharp rise in malaria cases in Yei River County, with 3,460 infections recorded over the past month alone.

According to County Health Director Simon Sebit, the increase is particularly affecting vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women and the elderly. He urged residents to take preventive measures and seek medical attention promptly when symptoms appear.

“Malaria is on the rise in Yei County. People should take care of themselves and if you experience signs and symptoms, report to the hospital for treatment,” Sebit said. “We also call on the public to clean their surroundings, clear stagnant water and bushes, and ensure everyone sleeps under treated mosquito nets.”

Residents, however, say access to treatment remains a major challenge. Mary Grace, a mother whose three-year-old child was recently diagnosed with malaria, described difficulties in obtaining proper care at public health facilities.

“We came to the hospital and my child was diagnosed with malaria, but there are no injectable medicines available,” she said. “We were referred to private clinics to buy drugs. I appeal to the government and NGOs to supply enough malaria medicines to major hospitals like Yei Civil Hospital.”

Grace added that many patients are suffering in silence due to the high cost of treatment at private health centers.

Health officials warn that malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in the region. In response to the growing crisis, authorities and partner organizations last week launched a digitalized mosquito net distribution campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the disease across the state.