By Theophilous Ochang

Authorities in Lafon County have called for joint efforts to tackle the spread of Guinea Worm disease in the region.

The appeal came during a one-day event organized by the South Sudan Guinea Worm Eradication program (SSGWEP) with support from Carter Center organization.

According to the officials, the community have had a spirited campaign that led to the reduction in the spread of the disease, with only two cases of animal infection remaining and no human case reported during the period of review.  

Speaking during the awarding of the volunteers and community members that participated in the campaign on Friday, Dr Hakim Gol, national Director for SSGWEP said the impact of the current outbreak is low compared to the past outbreak.

“This is small as compared to the past outbreak. We have youths and a team from South Sudan Guinea Worm Eradication Program are here to support in the fight against this disease. The government of South Sudan, Ministry of Health and the Carter Center are also determined to offer their support,” he said.  

John Weiss, country representative of Carter Center in South Sudan applauded the youths and community leaders for their efforts in fighting the Guinea Worm.

“We must celebrate youths from Lafon for their courage and dedication. We have seen the kind of work they volunteered and put in this project,” he said.

“We need to hold ourselves and each other accountable. To be accountable means we must work as a team. We must collaborate and we must trust each other. It’s only with the trust among all of us that we will achieve this mission,” he added.

Meanwhile, Koten Thomas, the minister of health in Eastern Equatoria state called on the community to be cautious and follow the preventive measures to combat the spread of the disease.  

“As we work to eradicate this disease, citizens must avoid contaminated water and instead use clean water, boil waters always and properly cook the aquatic animals,” he said.

On his part, Margaret Itoo Leonardo, the deputy chairperson for the National Committee for Documentation of dracunculiasis South Sudan said: “In 2006, all the cases in South Sudan were over 2,000. Of that 82%, were in greater Kapoeta and much more in Terekeka County. Some counties had fewer cases, but Kapoeta worked so hard.

“It had over 15,000 cases and today, it is zero. If you adhere to the guidance you have acquired here from the volunteers and the team from the Carter Center as well as health personnel, you will achieve the desired targets.”