South Sudan’s Health ministry probes 19 deaths in Aweil

September 4, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s Health ministry has launched an investigation into circumstances under which 19 people mysteriously died in Northern Bahr El Ghazal state.

This follows two separate incidents in Aweil East and Aweil South counties.

The cause of the deaths are unknown.S

South Sudan’s Health minister and the Northern Bahr El Ghazal state governor on Tuesday held a meeting to indephly discuss the mysterious deaths of 13 family members in Adut-Adhot Boma of Aweil East County and six other family members in Aweil South County.

The Health minister, Awel Deng told the governor and his accompanying officials that the ministry was still investigating the cause of the deaths.

“The samples which were collected from the deceased have been sent to a regional laboratory in Kampala, Uganda for further investigations. So, far preliminary reports have already shown negative tests. The ministry still awaits more results to determine the cause of deaths”, she added.

The Governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Simon Ober Mawut described the meeting as “productive”.

He said they explored ways to enhance accessibility and quality of medical care in the state, taking into consideration strategies for unifying efforts to ensure communities continue accessing healthcare services.

(ST)