By Hou Akot Hou
Health officials in Warrap state are appealing for a larger consignment of cholera vaccines as the state continues to receive cases of patients suffering from a cholera outbreak that has killed dozens of people.
John Akol Akol, the Surveillance Officer at the Warrap State Ministry of Health, reported that the outbreak has led to the deaths of 38 people and has affected over 1,500 others.
Many of these patients are receiving treatment at three health facilities in Gogrial West County, Gogrial East County, and Twic County.
Akol noted that the initial batch of vaccines provided by partners for a large-scale vaccination campaign was insufficient in controlling the outbreak.
He emphasized their commitment to collaborating with partners to secure more vaccines to continue vaccination efforts.
“As I speak, many people are still affected, and we are receiving numerous reports of new cases. Residents, particularly those living along the riverbanks in Gogrial West, are suffering greatly from this outbreak,” he said.
Akol assured that they are taking proactive measures to address the situation, stating, “The ministry is collecting data to share with partners in order to find a way forward to mitigate the outbreak.”
He also mentioned that they are gathering data to determine the actual vaccine supply needed to initiate a second round of vaccinations.
Akol urges the public to observe preventive measures, such as practicing good hygiene, being tidy, avoiding open defecation, and not drinking contaminated water.