Warrap state inmates hit by disease outbreaks

March 12, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Inmates in South Sudan’s Warrap state prisons have been hit by Diarrhea and skin disease outbreaks due to poor hygiene and congestion, an official said.

“The prisoners are about 142 and most of the inmates are affected by various sicknesses composed of Diarrhea and skin diseases,” said Samir Khamis, the state director of prison.

Paul Dhel Gum, the state health minister told Sudan Tribune that a mobile clinic had been dispatched to prison and would start operating effective from March 17.

The minister who described the health situation as “worsening”, mainly attributed the problem to poor hygiene within the cells, but vowed to find remedies to it.

“There are 142 inmates with 12 women detained over their alleged crimes in Kuacjok prison. There is spread of skin diseases and bloody diarrhea affecting them,” Gum said.

“The cause of sickness was the poor hygiene in latrines. The prison administration promised to improve hygiene by constructing more toilets to accommodate the big numbers of inmates,” added the minister.

(ST)