Health authorities in South Sudan’s Torit State on Monday launched a week-long oral cholera immunization campaign for all persons aged one and above.
Dr. Elijo Lomoro Tahir, the Director General in the state ministry of health told Radio Tamazuj that the campaign which began on Monday 13th will end on 19th of August.
He said Torit has had several cholera outbreaks in past adding that the immunization is important to improve the immunity of people against the cholera bacteria.
“I think one of the reasons why Torit is selected for this vaccination is because it is one of the hotspots, we have had some sporadic cholera outbreaks here in Torit,” he said.
Lomoro advised the people to maintain high hygiene standards to reduce vulnerability to the highly infectious disease.
The health official further called on all people to come out and receive the vaccination which he says once taken, the vaccine remains active in the body for more than four years.
Otim Simon is a resident in Torit. “Yeah I have got the vaccination already, really I feel good. I wish I could get a second dose so that it can protect me for 5 years,’’ he said.
Simon urged the people of Torit to ensure they get vaccinated for the good health of the whole society.
Cholera is an infectious disease caused by bacteria found in contaminated food or water. It causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and eventually death if left untreated.