By Theophilous Ochang

The government of Eastern Equatoria State has approved 30million South Sudanese Pounds to support health care workers managing cholera and urged the communities to support in the efforts to eradicate the disease in the state.

The statement was made by Margaret Idwa Okuye, the acting minister of health in Eastern Equatoria state who revealed that the ministry has received the funding to support in the fight against the disease in Torit.

“The funds will be used to support the health professionals helping to manage the cases in the various locations within Torit. The purpise is only for human resource,” she said.

According to Idwa, the ministry has mobilized around 120 health personnel who will be positioned in various areas where oral rehydration points will be established.

“We have already marked some places, like Enyief, Kuku, Ibalany, Hai Matara, Ilangi,” she added.

Minister Idwa also revealed a plan to extend the centers into different areas of Loudo, Loronyo, Loudo, and Imurok and Iyire within Torit Counties, where many cases have been reported.

Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong instructed Torit County Commissioner to open centers in all the affected Payams to help the local communities and avoid situations where patients will have to travel longer distances. 

“Open other centres in the Payams so that people can access these services closer to their homes. Establish treatment centres in their areas,” he said.

Lobong appealed to the public to adhere to the health measures to save their lives.

“Any South Sudanese, particularly from Eastern Equatoria State should join us in this fight against cholera so that we reduce the numbers and completely eradicate it from this region,” Lobong said.

The state has so far reported 12 deaths and 267 infections, according to Torit Civil Hospital.