Health officials in South Sudan’s Western Lakes State say Malaria cases are on the rise in the state, amidst limited health facilities and resources.
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, and one of the biggest killers in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Dr. Chol Osman Bol, the minister of health in Western Lakes state told Radio Tamazuj that the main hospital has recorded a large number of cases.
“We have recorded about 19,000 cases in the last three months in all the counties. This month of August is the month of heavy rains and you know rain causes Malaria. We should know that treatment alone is not enough we have to ensure we prevent the disease,” he said.
He said the ministry has embarked on awareness creation on the prevention of malaria, clearing of bushes and the fumigation to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the state.
“The ministry of health gets its support from organization partners such as health pool fund and Doctors with Africa CUAMM. These partner organizations support Rumbek State hospital and Western Lakes State with drug supplies for emergencies and most mosquito nets for malaria prevention," Chol said.
For his part, Rumbek State Hospital director Dr. Abraham Maker Mangar said in August and September yearly, malaria cases rise due to the rainy season.
Maker noted that the hospital cannot accommodate all the patients diagnosed with malaria, saying many have to share the available space.
“The hospital malaria ward has a bed capacity of 50 but every day you find more than that. More than 50 people are admitted every day because of malaria. Sometimes we accommodate patients of malaria in the surgery and pediatric wards even though three-quarters of the admitted children are suffering from malaria. Pregnant women are also highly affected,” he added.
According to Maker, 5 people died of Malaria in August, saying they were brought to the hospital late. He advised the population to seek medical care as soon as they experience any symptom