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Juba, South Sudan — South Sudan has obtained more than 282,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine (OCV) to bolster efforts against cholera outbreaks in the nation. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), announced the development on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas.
Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng revealed that the vaccines will primarily be deployed in Upper Nile State, focusing on Renk and Malakal counties, as part of a two-dose mass vaccination strategy. Other priority locations will also benefit as additional doses are shipped in the coming days.
“Cholera prevention is a priority in areas targeted for multisectoral intervention,” Deng stated in Juba. She added that these campaigns aim to protect vulnerable populations while laying the groundwork for sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions.
The WHO underscored the urgency of the initiative, citing South Sudan’s endemic cholera status, compounded by ongoing humanitarian crises. “The strategic interventions include OCV campaigns in at-risk areas, training of state-level rapid response teams, and provision of diagnostic test kits and essential supplies,” said Humphrey Karamagi, WHO’s representative in South Sudan.
Cholera outbreaks have been a persistent public health challenge in the country, disproportionately affecting children, women, and other vulnerable groups. The vaccination campaign seeks to mitigate the impact of the disease, which thrives in environments with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water.
The WHO and South Sudan’s government have been working to enhance surveillance and ensure swift responses to suspected and confirmed cases, leveraging tools like prepositioned medical supplies and trained rapid response teams.
The deployment of the vaccines marks a significant step in South Sudan’s broader health strategy, aiming not only to contain cholera but also to build resilience in communities most at risk.
