Cholera Vaccine Drive Expands in Warrap (Video)

(Kuajok) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, in partnership with several health organizations, has launched a cholera vaccination campaign in Warrap State and Wau County in Western Bahr el Ghazal. The campaign targets vulnerable groups including the elderly, children, and youth in areas where the disease continues to spread.

The initiative comes in response to a cholera outbreak that has already infected over 72,000 people and caused more than 1,300 deaths nationwide. Despite the high number of cases, the Ministry reports that more than 71,000 patients have recovered after receiving medical treatment.

Dr. Kediendea Chok, Director General for Preventive Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said the situation remains serious. In the past week alone, 600 new cases and five additional deaths were recorded. He noted that the government and its partners are continuing treatment efforts while prioritizing prevention through immunization.

The vaccination drive, which is focused on the most at-risk communities, is also aimed at preventing the disease from spreading further during the rainy season. Health experts have long warned that cholera is more likely to surge in areas where there is poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

Warrap State Minister of Health, Abel Madot, expressed appreciation to the national health ministry and international organizations for coordinating and supporting the campaign. He said the support is helping save lives and reduce the burden on already stretched health facilities.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and death within hours if untreated. While it is preventable through improved hygiene, clean water, and vaccination, South Sudan’s health system faces major challenges due to conflict, underfunding, and infrastructure gaps.

The government and humanitarian groups continue to stress the importance of public awareness and early treatment. Health teams have been deployed across affected counties to provide vaccines, distribute water purification tablets, and educate communities on cholera prevention.

This is one of several emergency responses being carried out across South Sudan to address public health threats. The Ministry of Health has called on all citizens to cooperate with health workers and urged local leaders to support the campaign in their areas.

The government has also appealed for more international support to strengthen its disease surveillance and health system response capacity.