Cholera Cases Plunge after 77,000 Infections, Say Health Official

By Jenifer James

The Ministry of Health Official have confirmed a significant decline in new cholera cases following the country’s worst recorded outbreak, which has infected over 77,000 people and claimed nearly 1,400 lives since late 2024.

This improvement has been welcomed by citizens who appreciate the reduction in cases.

In an exclusive interview with the dawn newspaper yesterday , Dr. Kediende Ohong, the incident manager for the national cholera emergency, said  that cholera cases have decreased since the outbreak began.

“This cholera outbreak is the largest South Sudan has ever experienced. It started in September last year when we detected the initial cases and confirmed local transmission.”

The outbreak was officially declared on 28 October 2024. Since then, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners and communities, has been working diligently to contain the spread of the disease.

“As of now, we have recorded more than 77,000 cumulative cases. About 96% of those, nearly 74,000, have been treated and discharged. Unfortunately, we have lost close to 1,400 lives. It’s deeply regrettable, as those are lives we cannot recover.”

“Over the last four weeks, we have seen a consistent drop in new cases. Last week, we recorded fewer than 900 cases nationwide and six deaths. The weeks prior also showed similar downward trends,” he noted.

According to Dr. Ohong, Unity State remains the hardest-hit area, with new cases still being reported there, as well as in newly affected regions such as Abyei, Torit, and Magwi.

In response, the country has initiated a widespread oral cholera vaccination campaign. “We have received close to eight million doses of vaccine and completed campaigns in 35 counties,” Dr. Ohong reported.

Cholera has been confirmed in 54 counties across multiple states and three administrative areas, with Western Equatoria being the only state with no reported cases.

In the capital, Juba, residents attribute the decline in cases to recent sanitation campaigns.

“In Gudele, we’ve seen fewer cholera cases because of the cleaning campaign. However, now that the rainy season has begun, we need to remain vigilant and keep our environment clean,” said local resident Rose Keji.

Officials continue to monitor the outbreak and urge the public to maintain hygiene practices to prevent a resurgence.