Malaria cases are increasing among children and women in the disputed territory of Abyei, a local health official said.
Kon Thon, the acting director general at the Abyei ministry of health, told radio Tamazuj Monday that floods have contributed to the rise in malaria cases, saying they have recorded 2,572 cases this month, mostly women and children.
“Flood is affecting the health situation. In general, many people are living in floodwaters, and others are trying to have space where they can stay. Flood has caused waterborne diseases, pneumonia, and malaria, which is the leading illness,” Kon Thon said. “Last week, Abyei Civil Hospital recorded 1366 malaria cases, Abyei PHCC has 220 cases, Aganythok PHCU recorded 58 cases, and Awal recorded 139 malaria cases.”
He added, “Bokchok Mobile Site has recorded 119 cases of malaria, Ganga Primary Healthcare Unit recorded 429, Awalnam Health Facility with 145 cases, Mading Achuing PHCU with 39 cases, Mijak PHCU has recorded 74, Nyinkuach1 PHCU has 112, Nyinkuach2 PHCU has 134, while Rumamer Primary Healthcare Unit has 149 cases.”
The health official pointed out that the last shipment of medicines they received from the National Ministry of Health has finished.
Osman Chol, a resident of Abyei, said: “Floodwaters in the area have caused malaria cases, and some people who have mosquito nets still don’t have where to sleep. I feel unwell, and some health facilities don’t have enough malarial drugs.”