August 5th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – In the midst of the Cholera season and the potential spread of cholera infections due to continued flooding in different parts of the country, the South Sudan Ministry of Health has intensified its efforts and trained about 120 front-line health workers on Cholera case investigation and management, cholera sample testing and management, and risk communication.
The training aimed at achieving a Cholera-free South Sudan was funded by a consortium of international non-governmental organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In a report released on Sunday, the country’s WHO representative pointed out that since no cases of Cholera have been documented so far since the last rainy season, it indicates that preventive measures have been successful.
“The fact that there was no cholera case reported during the last rainy season shows the true power of prevention and teamwork,” said Dr Olushayo Olu, WHO Representative for South Sudan.
“We need to continue along this path and push for a strategic shift from response to prevention across all relevant sectors, only then can we eliminate the disease which remains a serious health threat.” added the WHO’s representative.
South Sudan descended into civil war in 2013 between forces loyal to South Sudan President Salva and those loyal to his former deputy Dr. Riek Machar.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that out of the country’s 12. million people , only 50 per cent of them have access to clean water, and only 10 per cent have access to improved sanitation.
Poor access to clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene practices are the main drivers for cholera.
