Urgent Cholera Vaccination Drive Launches in Rubkona to Combat Rising Outbreak

In a critical initiative to mitigate the ongoing cholera outbreak, authorities in South Sudan have launched a vaccination campaign in Rubkona County, targeting over 300,000 individuals. This operation marks a significant step in addressing one of the worst health crises the country has faced this year, bringing the total number of counties participating in vaccination efforts to four.

Rubkona County stands as a significant hotspot for cholera, accounting for nearly 50 percent of all reported cases in the country. The vaccination campaign is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the South Sudan Ministry of Health, with essential support from international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). This campaign aims to protect vulnerable populations and curb the spread of the severe diarrheal disease.

In a show of commitment, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Vice President of South Sudan, visited Rubkona this week. He observed the vaccination efforts firsthand and emphasized the government's determination to combat the cholera crisis effectively. “We thank the Ministry of Health and partners for their unwavering commitment to this cause,” Vice President Akol stated. He illustrated the vaccination rollout as part of a broader strategy to save lives and ensure the health of the nation.

The launch event was attended by several notable figures, including Health Minister Honorable Yolanda Awel Deng Juach and the Governor of Unity State, alongside representatives from key UN agencies. Minister Deng called on all health sector stakeholders to bolster their collaboration and implement necessary preventive measures effectively.

"The vaccine we are introducing today is lifesaving," remarked Minister Deng while urging the community to participate fully in the vaccination campaign and adhere to preventative health measures.

Dr. Jetri Regmi, a Technical Officer for Health Expertise and Operations at WHO, highlighted the overwhelming challenges posed by ongoing humanitarian crises—ranging from severe flooding to the cholera outbreak itself. He underscored that oral cholera vaccination is a vital protective measure for at-risk communities, a part of a more extensive toolkit for improving health outcomes in the region.

Notably, South Sudan officially declared the cholera outbreak in October 2024. As of January 7, 2025, the nation has reported over 17,581 cases, with a concerning case fatality rate of 1.5%. The urgent response to this crisis, including this vaccination campaign, is pivotal in restoring health and safety to a country grappling with continuous health emergencies.

In the face of such a daunting public health challenge, the words of Vice President Akol resonate strongly: the commitment to sustainable health solutions remains relentless, and the time to act is now. The road to recovery is paved with these crucial interventions, and it is imperative that communities come together to safeguard their health against cholera.