By Alan Clement
The Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area, Justice Charles Abyei Jok, has officially launched a cholera vaccination campaign aimed at tackling the recent outbreak in the region.
The campaign, led by the Ministry of Health of the Abyei Special Administrative Area and partners is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations following an outbreak declared two months ago.
Speaking during the campaign launch, Minister of Health Dr. Ayom Korchek Ayom thanked all stakeholders for their collaboration, noting that samples sent to the National Laboratory in Juba had tested negative in recent weeks a sign of progress in containing the disease.
“Today we are initiating the cholera vaccination campaign, acknowledging the outbreak that was declared two months ago in Abyei,” Dr. Ayom said. “The fight has required coordination at every level, sent to the National Laboratory in Juba had returned negative results, indicating progress in containment,” he added.
A representative of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) present at the event praised the joint efforts in reducing cholera prevalence extending a heartfelt appreciation to all NGOs in Abyei for their relentless pursuit in the fight against cholera. According to the NGO representative, through combined work, the cholera statistics in the area have been significantly reduced.
Chief Administrator Jok commended both the Ministry of Health and partner organizations for their role in saving lives. “The outbreak was dangerous and difficult to control, but through your cooperation, we have brought it under control,” he said adding, “I thank you for listening to health authorities, and with that, I declare the vaccination campaign officially inaugurated.”
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Administrator Hon. Brig. Gen. Arop Deng Kuol, ministers, the Mayor of Abyei Municipality, directors general, and representatives from various organizations, underscoring the unified commitment to public health in the region.
Health officials say the vaccination drive is part of a broader strategy to eliminate cholera from the area, combining immunization with public health education, improved sanitation, and rapid response measures in case of new cases.