JUBA – A local health official in Duk County of South Sudan’s Jonglei declared on Tuesday that the John Dau Foundation (JDF), a local health facility, is facing a severe shortage of medical supplies to combat the rising cholera cases.
Dr. Arak Simon, Health Coordinator at the John Dau Foundation (JDF), told Sudans Post on Tuesday that the local hospital is running out of space and supplies to treat the influx of patients suffering from cholera.
“We have noticed a rise in cholera cases. This is a relapse—earlier, vaccinations reduced cases, but in May we started receiving patients from the islands where vaccines did not reach,” said Dr. Simo.
Dr. Simon warned of a dangerous deterioration of cholera cases amid drug shortages and called for urgent government and partner intervention.
“Now, most admissions come from the islands, and the situation is worse than before,” he said.
He disclosed that the most affected areas include Majok, Pamading, and Rial Yen.
According to Dr. Simon, many patients arrive after sailing by boat for two to three days, often in severe condition with hypovolemic shock and extreme dehydration.
He said cholera treatment centers (CTCs) have been set up, offering fluid replacement therapy and antibiotics.
Community engagement efforts are ongoing to prevent further spread, he said.
He stated that shortages of cholera kits, water sanitation materials, and other medical supplies remain critical challenges.
In December 2024, the cholera oral vaccination campaign reached many communities, but island areas were excluded due to accessibility issues.
Now, primary health care centers (PHCCs) are overwhelmed, receiving 8–10 patients daily, pushing facilities to full capacity.
From 28 September 2024 to 8 August 2025, South Sudan has reported 87,705 cholera cases, including 1,522 deaths, across 55 counties in 9 states and 3 administrative areas of Abyei, Ruweng, and Greater Pibor.
Unity State has the highest burden at 32% (27,905 cases), followed by Jonglei State at 15% (13,106) and Central Equatoria State at 13% (11,168).
