JUBA – Local leaders in Kansuk village are calling for immediate intervention from the Ministry of Health following a cholera outbreak that has already claimed the lives of at least three people and left several others in critical condition in a week.
Communities that gathered at Nyori Church on Wednesday morning expressed growing concern over the rapid spread of the disease and the absence of a government response since the alarm was raised by the local leaders.
“Three people have died in Kansuk village due to cholera, and several others are seriously ill,” said Sub-Chief Marino Jubek while speaking to this publication. “We need vaccines to prevent more deaths. If nothing is done today, we fear losing even more lives.”
Wani Vincesio James, the Chief of Nyori Jondoru, said the community reported the outbreak three days ago, but has yet to receive any support from health authorities.
“We are still waiting for the government and responsible agencies to act,” he said. “We buried people yesterday and today. We want the vaccines now to stop this from getting worse.”
South Sudan is currently grappling with its longest-running cholera outbreak, which has entered a critical stage since the current wave began in September 2024.
The country has recorded more than 80,000 cholera cases and over 1,400 deaths to date.
The crisis has been exacerbated by climate-related shocks such as flooding, which has helped facilitate the spread of the disease, especially in areas where access to clean water and sanitation remains severely limited.
Open defecation, intercommunal violence, and damaged infrastructure have further cut off vulnerable communities from accessing basic healthcare services.
Local leaders in Rejaf are urging the Ministry of Health, international partners to deploy immediate assistance, including vaccines, treatment supplies, to prevent further tragedy
