South Sudan announces significant reduction in cases of guinea worm disease
January 8, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese government said only 5 cases of guinea worm disease were reported last year, 2015, reducing the threat of the disease by 93% from 70 cases reported in 2014.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Health is proud to announce that South Sudan is on the verge of eliminating Guinea Worm Disease! This is a historical accomplishment that demonstrates the strength and ability of this young nation to make positive change!” partly reads the 5 January press statement signed by the minister.
The disease caused by a water-borne parasite and sticks deep below the skin, has been wide spread in many parts of South Sudan.
Gai commended the active participation of the health workers in the country in the drive to eradicate the disease in a fight led by the Carter Center, named after the former president of the United States, who founded it.
Parts of the country at greater risk from the disease, the minister said, included Namorunyang, Boma, Eastern Lakes, Tonj, and Wau counties and vowed to eliminate it from these areas.
“Until there are zero cases of Guinea worm disease throughout South Sudan and the country is certified Guinea worm free, the government, the programme, and the communities will need to continue to work tirelessly to detect and contain every case of Guinea worm,” he said.
As part of the policy of the programme to encourage disclosure of presence of the disease in individuals, a cash reward of 500 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) will be given to anyone who encourages a patient to seek medical treatment or provides information about the case.
The minister also commended the role played by other international partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) for supporting the programme in the fight against the disease.
(ST)