Cholera Outbreak Overview

As of January 17, 2025, South Sudan is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak, with reported cases climbing to an alarming 21,389 and fatalities reaching 390. The situation highlights a grave public health emergency, predominantly affecting vulnerable age groups.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Notably, over half (52%) of the affected individuals are children aged zero to 14. The outbreak has proven particularly lethal for the elderly and infants, with death rates spiking at 19% among those aged 60 and above and 18% within the zero to four age range.

Geographical Spread

The cholera spread is rampant, now affecting seven out of ten states and one administrative area. The town of Rubkona has been the hardest hit, accounting for a staggering 47% of all reported cases. While the overall case fatality rate stands at 1.8%, certain counties are witnessing even more concerning statistics.

Response Efforts

In response to the outbreak, a vaccination campaign has been completed in Renk, while ongoing efforts are underway in three other states. Significantly, the situation is exacerbated by a recent influx of over 120,000 individuals fleeing violence in neighboring Sudan since early December 2024.

International Aid

To aid the fight against the cholera epidemic, the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) has dispatched 4,290 boxes of PUR water disinfection tablets from its warehouse in Dubai to partners on the ground, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Juba.

Conclusion

As the cholera crisis unfolds, the international community is urged to pay close attention to South Sudan's distressing plight. Continued humanitarian assistance and strategic vaccination campaigns will be crucial in curbing the outbreak and preventing a further escalation of this health catastrophe.