KUAJOK – The State Ministry of Health in Warrap has received a critical shipment of 60 cartons of cholera vaccines from the World Health Organisation to combat the escalating outbreak of the waterborne disease, which spreads primarily through contaminated water and food.
John Akol Akol, the state’s disease surveillance officer, announced that the vaccines, delivered through UNICEF and GAVI, will be distributed to the hardest-hit areas, including Tonj North, Gogrial East, and Gogrial West counties.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Mr. Akol confirmed that the distribution process has already commenced in Kuajok town, the state capital, and will extend to other affected regions in the coming days.
The consignment includes not only vaccines but also essential supplies such as rapid diagnostic testing kits, hygiene soap, water purification tablets, and medical drugs.
The supplies follow the provision of the first consignment delivered last month to avert the spread of the disease, but felt short.
These resources aim to support both treatment and prevention efforts in communities grappling with the outbreak. “Our priority is to reach the most vulnerable populations and ensure that those affected receive timely care,” Mr. Akol stated.
The cholera outbreak has reached alarming levels in Warrap State, particularly in Tonj North, Gogrial East, and Gogrial West, where hospitals are overwhelmed with patients.
Many individuals remain under medical supervision, receiving treatment for severe dehydration and other symptoms. According to Mr. Akol, the outbreak has claimed at least 61 lives in the state, while over 100 patients have successfully recovered following medical intervention.
Cholera, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is an acute infectious disease that affects both humans and animals.
It is typically contracted through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, leading to symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and life-threatening dehydration if untreated.
Poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and overcrowded living conditions exacerbate the spread of the disease, making swift intervention critical.
Health officials are intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak through vaccination campaigns, public awareness initiatives, and water and sanitation infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Akol emphasised the importance of community cooperation, urging residents to practice good hygiene, boil drinking water, and seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
The arrival of the vaccines and supplies offers hope to Warrap State’s embattled communities, but challenges remain.
Ongoing conflict, displacement, and limited healthcare access hinder response efforts. Humanitarian organisations and government partners are calling for increased support to address the root causes of the outbreak and prevent future public health crises.
