BENTIU — Local authorities in the oil-rich state of Unity in South Sudan have reported an increase in cholera cases in three counties due to widespread flooding impacting various areas of the state.
In October, Mayiendit County has recorded 379 new cases, Rubkona County has reported 388 cases, and Mayom County has seen 126 cases, according to a health official.
In an interview with Sudans Post on Saturday, Gatkuoth Kuol Chan, the communication officer for the State Ministry of Health, encouraged community mobilizers to promote awareness on cholera prevention.
“Let us give awareness because cholera is with us in the area. Let us dig latrines and stop open defecation. Let us boil water, and let us not drink floodwater. These are the only ways we can prevent cholera,” Chan said.
Chan advised residents in fishing areas to refrain from defecating in nearby areas, noting that flies can quickly transmit diseases.
For his part, Molana Godfrey Gaw, the County Health Director for Mayiendit, said cholera continues to spread in Unity State, with Mayiendit, Rubkona, and Mayom counties reporting hundreds of new cases last month.
“The government needs to deploy additional community mobilizers within these localities, especially in Mayiendit, because most cases are occurring in Mayiendit South, where accessibility is a problem. These are the actions that need to be taken,” said Godfrey.
Godfrey disclosed that risk communication officers and social mobilizers are engaging with communities to raise awareness about how to protect themselves from the spread of cholera.
He requested the State Ministry of Health to assign more community mobilizers, particularly to Mayiendit South, where access challenges and increasing cases hinder outreach efforts.
He highlighted the importance of using latrines properly, washing hands with safe water, and maintaining good hygiene to help control the outbreak.
Cholera is a highly contagious and deadly disease that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Health experts urge residents to maintain cleanliness, use latrines, and avoid consuming unboiled or unsafe water to prevent infection.
