The minister’s assessment of the market highlighted alarming levels of contamination in local water sources, underscoring the urgent need to address public health issues.

By Anak Dut

The minister of health of Abyei Special Administrative Area, Dr. Ayom Korchek Ayom on Monday visited Ameit Market amid surge in Cholera cases in the area.

The visit aimed at evaluating the current cholera situation and the measures put in place to prevent further spread of the disease, which has so far killed three people in Ameit Market.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Ayom provided an overview of the circumstances, saying that a Cholera Treatment Unit  has been established in the locality, equipped with essential medical resources such as intravenous fluids, Oral Rehydration Salts and antibiotics for effective treatment of cholera victims.

He highlighted significant environmental concerns, particularly the accumulation of waste and severe flooding of sewage water in the western part of the market, which acts as a breeding ground for the disease.

Dr. Ayom advised locals to stop transporting the deceased persons to Abyei to prevent escalating the spread of cholera.

He added that important health safety measures aimed at preventing further transmission of the disease have been put in place.

Assessment of the market highlighted alarming levels of contamination in local water sources, underscoring the urgent need to address public health issues.

“In response to these challenges, one of the Ministry’s primary partners, “Save the Children,” is actively working on initiatives to clean polluted water sources and restore access to safe drinking water for the affected communities,” Dr. Ayom Said.

Raising awareness in the community—particularly in Abyei and Ameit Market—is a crucial focus. Residents need to understand the health risks associated with contaminated water and learn effective preventive strategies to safeguard their health and that of their families.

Ayom further added that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local stakeholders, is organizing coordinated efforts that include community education campaigns, distribution of informational materials and mobilization of healthcare professionals to provide guidance on cholera prevention and treatment.

“The collective goal is to foster a healthier future for all residents impacted by this cholera outbreak, ensuring that interventions are sustainable and effective in protecting community health,” Dr. Ayom concluded.

The cholera scourge

Declared in October last year (2024), cholera cases had risen to 48000 cases and caused 919 death by April 11, 2025, according to data from the World Health Organization. The outbreak had spread to 44 counties across nine states and two administrative areas, with Jonglei and Unity States being the most affected areas.

WHO reports that children under the age of 15 account for a significant portion of cases and deaths, with a particularly high case fatality rate in the elderly.

To avert the health emergency, vaccination campaigns have been rolled out in various cholera reported areas, with partners supporting community and case management.