The Jonglei ministry of health reported 20 cases of kala-azar in rural areas of greater Akobo Monday.

Health minister Angok Gordon Kuol told Radio Tamazuj that the cases were discovered ten days ago in Nyirol and Akobo counties.

He said they sent teams on 28 August with medicine to address the situation.

Angok said that they sent the medicine through the IMA World Health, a medical charity, because the areas with the disease are controlled by the rebels.

He said they have not considered the new reports of kala-azar as an outbreak but as increases of cases due to the conflict in an area which is known for kala-azar.

The minister said they have no reports of kala-azar deaths in the area but are waiting on an update from IMA World Health.

File photo: A child suffering from Kala Azar in Ayod (Medair).

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