South Sudan receives 1.1 mln vaccines to contain cholera spread
3 min readSouth Sudan has received 1.1 million doses of cholera vaccines as part of a response to an ongoing outbreak of the disease. The vaccines, which were donated by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI), arrived in the capital, Juba, on a flight Monday, bringing hope to a country grappling with rising cholera cases.
According to Gabriel Buom Tap, an Immunization Officer at UNICEF, the vaccines are provided in a two-dose regimen. However, even a single dose offers significant protection. “This is supposed to be a two-dose vaccine, but if you take one, you are supposed to get immunity within two weeks, and it can protect you for close to six months. Then, if you take the second dose, it can provide protection for up to three years,” he explained. The immediate availability of these vaccines provides critical support in controlling the spread of cholera, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The cholera outbreak in South Sudan was officially declared in October, originating from a border town between Sudan and South Sudan. Since then, it has spread to six of the country’s ten states, putting a strain on the nation’s already fragile health infrastructure. Cholera is an infectious disease that is typically transmitted through contaminated water or food. It can lead to severe dehydration and death if not treated promptly, making rapid intervention crucial.
The ongoing crisis has affected several high-risk groups, particularly displaced persons. The most vulnerable are those who have been displaced by floods or who have sought refuge from conflict in neighboring Sudan. These displaced populations are living in crowded conditions where access to clean water and sanitation is limited, making them especially susceptible to the disease.
As of now, more than 100 people have died from cholera in South Sudan, with over 6,000 confirmed cases across the country. These figures are likely to rise if containment measures are not rapidly implemented. The South Sudanese government is calling on the health sector and various stakeholders to intensify efforts to curb the spread of cholera and prevent further deaths.
Yolanda Awel Deng, South Sudan’s Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of public awareness and education in combating the disease. “I urge the media and civil society to join hands in disseminating information and raising awareness about the importance of vaccination,” she said. Public education efforts are crucial in ensuring that communities understand the importance of vaccination and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.
In addition to vaccination campaigns, efforts are underway to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are key to preventing future outbreaks. Health experts agree that cholera is largely preventable through proper hygiene practices, safe drinking water, and vaccination. However, these measures can only be effective if communities are educated and if healthcare systems are strengthened.
The arrival of the cholera vaccines is a critical step in the government’s strategy to contain the outbreak, but it is only one part of a larger response plan. Alongside vaccination efforts, the government is working with international organizations such as UNICEF and GAVI to provide treatment for those infected, ensure the availability of safe water, and improve sanitation across affected areas. South Sudan’s health system, which has been stretched thin due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises, is now under further pressure to cope with the cholera outbreak.
International support has been instrumental in the response, and the cooperation of both governmental and non-governmental organizations is seen as essential for managing the outbreak effectively. The country is also receiving support from international donors, who have pledged resources for cholera prevention and treatment.
As South Sudan faces the ongoing threat of cholera, health officials are urging the population to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and take part in vaccination campaigns. “The importance of vaccination cannot be overstated,” said Gabriel Buom Tap, stressing that vaccination is the most effective way to protect individuals and communities from the deadly disease.
In the coming months, the government and health authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the widespread distribution of cholera vaccines, combined with improved water and sanitation, will help reduce the number of new infections and ultimately bring the outbreak under control. The success of this response will depend on the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, international organizations, and the public.
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