South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Member of Parliament representing Lafon County, in Eastern Equatoria State has asked the State Ministry of Health to provide the necessary malaria preventive measures following a rise in malaria cases including snake bites due to flooding.
Visor Likali told The Dawn on Sunday in an interview that Lafon County has recorded over 500 malaria cases since August, including nine fatalities.
“Given the persistent flooding in Lafon, there is an urgent need for Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health to supply medicine to the County, as the situation for our people is worsening,” said Likali.
He emphasized that pneumonia cases, particularly among vulnerable children, are also on the rise.
Likali revealed that previous appeals to the state ministryof health for medical supplies have not been heeded to, adding that health officials have cited logistical challenges in transporting medicines from the County Health Department to local health facilities.
“These logistical issues cannot outweigh the lives at stake,” he asserted.
The community’s resilience is being tested, and many families find themselves in dire situations, struggling to care for the sick.
Local leaders have mobilized grassroots efforts to provide basic medical care, organizing temporary clinics and outreach programs to address immediate health needs, and yet without adequate supplies of medicine and preventive measures, their efforts remain severely hampered.
Access to clean water has become increasingly scarce, compounding the risk of waterborne diseases in an area already facing high malaria prevalence.
In response to the national malaria crisis, the Ministry of Health, alongside UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and Gavi, launched a nationwide rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine in July.
This initiative specifically targets the 28 counties with the highest malaria burden, with hopes of expanding the program throughout the country. UNICEF reports that malaria continues to be a leading cause of illness and death in South Sudan, especially among young children.
In 2022, the country recorded approximately 2.8 million malaria cases and 6,680 deaths, with current estimates showing about 7,630 new cases and 18 fatalities each day.
As the rainy season persists, the need for immediate intervention becomes increasingly urgent. Health experts are calling for a multi-faceted approach that not only addresses immediate medical needs but also invests in long-term solutions such as improved drainage systems and enhanced healthcare infrastructure.
MP Likali remains hopeful that with sustained advocacy and support from both local and international communities will help Lafon County navigate this crisis.
“Together, we can rise above these challenges,” he said, emphasizing the critical importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of his constituents.
