Cholera cases increase in South Sudan

July 22, 2015 (NEW YORK) – Reports of international health organizations have warned of increasing number of cholera cases in the young country, calling for prevention measures.

“On South Sudan, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that more than 1,210 cholera cases, including 39 deaths, have been reported – mostly in Juba county but also in Bor County,” reads the comments by representatives of the United Nations in New York on Tuesday.

In response to the outbreak, health partners have set up cholera treatment centres and oral rehydration points in both counties. They are conducting cholera prevention activities, including hygiene promotion and improvement of access to safe drinking water.

Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, is scheduled to arrive in the country on a four-day visit to see first-hand the humanitarian consequences of the conflict as well as the efforts by aid organizations to respond to the escalating needs.

During his visit, Mr. O’Brien is expected to meet communities affected by the violence, senior government officials, humanitarian partners and the diplomatic community, to discuss the crisis and ways of strengthening the humanitarian operation.

(ST)