By Correspondent

Nyirol County in Jonglei State reported cholera outbreak as authorities confirmed 17 cases and two deaths, and called for humanitarian assistance to avert the spread of the disease.

According to the County Commissioner, James Bol Makuey, in his sentiments to the media, there is risk of having more casualties more casualties if immediate action is not taken.

The commissioner expressed concerns that the region had already lost two lives, but reassured that they are working hard to prevent the situation from worsening. “We are appealing to well-wishers, humanitarian organizations, and the government to assist us with medical supplies, clean water, and community education on prevention measures,” he said.

Meanwhile, as the cases are reported, local authorities had begun distributing oral rehydration salts and setting up cholera treatment centres. They however complained of limited resources.

“We are doing what we can with the resources available, but the situation is overwhelming. Support from humanitarian agencies is critical to saving lives and preventing a larger crisis,” said Makuei.

Outbreak of Cholera has become prevalent in South Sudan, pressing an already fragile health system amidst climatic effects such as flooding and extreme heatwaves.

The country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis has further strained its ability to respond to such emergencies, underscoring the need for international support to curb the spread of the disease.

On Thursday, Care released a statement warning of an alarming cholera outbreak in South Sudan.

According to the organization, over 26,800 infections and 455 deaths have been reported across 39 counties in eight states. Worryingly, the crisis continues to escalate as new cases emerge daily.

“With severe flooding, ongoing conflict, and a fragile health system, communities now face the added threat of this rapidly spreading and deadly outbreak,” it said.

It added that the statistics comes when South Sudan’s health system, critically overwhelmed and reliant on shrinking donor support, is crumbling.