Cholera in South Sudan: Current Challenges and Future Strategies

Cholera is endemic in South Sudan with recent outbreaks influenced by flooding, displacement and poor WASH services. The latest outbreak, declared on October 28, 2024, has over 22,000 cases and exhibits unusual characteristics. Immediate vaccination and long-term improvements to infrastructure are essential for future prevention efforts.

Cholera remains endemic in South Sudan, with outbreaks frequently occurring due to several risk factors, including recurrent flooding, political instability, inadequate healthcare access, and insufficient water and sanitation services. The most recent outbreak, declared on October 28, 2024, has already surpassed 22,000 reported cases. This outbreak is notable for its timing, emerging after the rainy season rather than during the typical peak periods, and for featuring a different V. cholerae serotype introduced to the nation.

Transmission drivers include multiple introductions of the cholera strain, significant population movements, overcrowding, and poor Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) conditions exacerbated by recent flooding and challenging socio-economic factors. Although cases have stabilized in areas like Rubkona and Juba as of mid-January, alarming case increases and deaths in remote counties such as Mayom, Guit, and Fangak suggest that the outbreak is ongoing and poses a serious threat.

The cholera situation is further complicated by a concurrent outbreak in Sudan declared in August 2024, which, coupled with ongoing conflict, enhances the risk of cross-border infections into South Sudan. With the country’s inadequate WASH infrastructure aggravated by displacement and the 2024 floods, the likelihood of widespread cholera is significantly elevated.

To effectively counter the current outbreak, it is essential to rapidly scale response measures in newly affected regions, particularly through the administration of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV). Long-term strategies should focus on sustainable development investments, especially in WASH infrastructure, and establishing proactive measures to prevent future outbreaks when spillover risks are high.

In summary, the cholera outbreak in South Sudan is driven by various complicating factors, including environmental conditions and socio-political instability. Immediate action is required to manage the current outbreak, alongside strategic long-term investments in WASH infrastructure to mitigate future risks. A proactive and comprehensive response plan is crucial to safeguard public health in South Sudan.

Original Source: reliefweb.int