Local authorities in Twic East County, Jonglei State, launched a large-scale oral cholera vaccination (OCV) campaign on Tuesday, aiming to inoculate 57,000 residents aged one and above.
The initiative comes as the area grapples with a severe cholera outbreak exacerbated by devastating floods that have left the area largely isolated.
The campaign, which will run for one week, was made possible after health officials received 169,000 vaccine doses—enough to cover the targeted population.
Twic East County Health Director Chol Deng Leek confirmed the rollout to Radio Tamazuj, stating that the effort began in Panyagoor town and will extend to remote, swampy areas where over half of the population resides.
“We received 169,000 doses of oral cholera vaccines and trained vaccinators on Monday. The campaign is now underway, targeting 57,000 people across the county,” Leek said.
Twic East is among the counties hardest hit by both flooding and cholera in South Sudan. Since last year, at least 330 cases have been reported, with 19 fatalities. The floods have cut off access to many parts of the county, complicating relief efforts and leaving residents vulnerable to waterborne diseases like cholera.
County Commissioner Juac Arok Juac expressed relief at the arrival of the vaccines, calling it a critical intervention.
“Twic East is one of the counties worst affected by the cholera outbreak. These vaccines have come at a time when we need them most,” he said. “Last year, we lost 19 people to cholera, and we are now happy to have this protection for our community.”
Residents welcomed the campaign, with many expressing hope that it would curb the spread of the deadly bacterial disease.
Peter Deng, a resident of Panyagoor town, said he felt safer after receiving his dose. “Cholera has killed so many people here. I am happy to be vaccinated and protected,” he said.
The campaign highlights the ongoing challenges faced by communities in South Sudan, where natural disasters and disease outbreaks often intersect, straining already fragile health systems.
