Measles and malnutrition cases at UNMISS base, Bentiu

The health situation is reportedly ‘alarming’ at the UNMISS base in Bentiu town in Unity State, according to a medical source on the scene.

The health situation is reportedly ‘alarming’ at the UNMISS base in Bentiu town in Unity State, according to a medical source on the scene.

Two cases of measles disease were recorded in the UNMISS base yesterday, said a doctor who preferred anonymity. The doctor also predicted spread of malnutrition among the children in the compound.

“Yesterday we carried out medical tests and we found about 15 cases of malnourishment,” he said.

He explained that most of the malnutrition cases can be treated given rapid intervention by health organizations. The doctor also called on UNMISS and other health organizations to provide vaccines against measles and to treat malnourishment in the UN base in Bentiu town. 

Photo: IDPs at the UN base in Bentiu, 24 December 2013 (UNMISS/Anna Adhikari)