By Theophilous Ochang

The Eastern Equatoria State Ministry of Health in collaboration with World Health Organization on Friday launched an Oral cholera vaccination targeting 227,100 people in Torit County.

At least 1,344 cases of Cholera were reported in Torit and 59 death cases recorded since the outbreak in April.

Dr. Amin Gordiano, the Director for Primary Health Care in the state ministry of health, said, “Today we are doing the launching and the number that we are targeting 227,100 people that we want to reach and get this vaccination”

He urged the residents in Torit to visit their vaccination points to ease ease access to the cholera vaccine.

“Take your children to vaccination posts near you. This is very important. Cholera is kills,” he said. 

“If we don’t protect ourselves from the disease, I assure you, we will be risking our lives. Most of us took these vaccines, and that is why our lives are protected and healthy till now,” Gordiano added.

He thanked the WHO and the UNICEF for supplying them with the vaccine which he believes will be the helpful to suffering populations in Torit County.

“As the ministry of health, we are happy with the support from WHO, UNICEF and other partners. The ministry of health has always spearheaded access to health care in the area. we are grateful,” he said.

However, Dr Gordiano expressed concerns over the outbreak of the cholera in Idali village of Imehejek administrative, where some 73 cases have been reported, including three deaths.

At least 30 people were discharged.

“We are now having a very serious cases in the outskirt of Torit. Idali village has reported 73 cases of which three died. Some patients were taken to Imehejek and Longiro,” he stated.