More than 3,500 children, who are among the returnees who sought refuge in the Nyaruop port area of Koch County in Unity State, have received crucial vaccinations during a focused immunization campaign.
These returnees, many of whom fled the conflict in Sudan via the Renk—Malakal route to Nyaruop, now have access to critical medical support.
The campaign was primarily aimed at children aged between 5 months and 15 years, particularly those who recently escaped the war-torn regions of Sudan and found their way back to South Sudan. The endeavour was made possible through the partnership with Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC), an oil firm, which generously provided 350 measles vaccination kits. This contribution facilitated the vaccination of over 3,500 children, spanning the age range from five months to fifteen years.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Jackson Gatluak, the Health director of Koch County, said: “We vaccinated 3,500 individuals over the weekend in Nyaruop Port, Jaak payam Tharjiath oilfield, and Nyak. Health workers have been actively present in the field for the past seven days, working tirelessly to address the vaccination requirements of the Nyaruop port population.”
Gatluak emphasized that the campaign’s objective is to prevent the further spread of measles. He explained, “A number of measles cases had been reported in the area last month, but we have observed a decrease in the number of cases. The situation is not as dire as it was in the previous three months.” He further specified that the measles outbreak had been particularly concentrated in certain parts of Koch County and Nyaruop Port.
Gatluak urged all returnees to prioritize the vaccination of their children, noting that the campaign is ongoing due to the continuous influx of returnees. “Our efforts are centred around prevention,” he stated. The measles vaccination campaign, which started on August 20, is set to conclude on August 27.
In the same vein, William Dhoal Ruei, the acting Director General of the Ministry of Health in Unity State, confirmed the supply of 350 measles vaccines to Nyaruop Port. These vaccines were crucial in protecting the 3,500 returnees before they disperse to their respective areas. Ruei explained, “Once the returnees are vaccinated, they pose no risk of transmitting the contagious infection to others who are unvaccinated.”
Ruei emphasized the significance of vaccination in preventing further transmission, stating, “Vaccination not only protects the vaccinated individuals but also safeguards the broader community.” He shared that plans are in place for a second vaccination campaign in four locations: Rubkona, Guit, Bentiu IDP camp, and Bentiu town. However, due to funding constraints, the remaining five counties will not receive a second round of vaccination.
In the preceding weeks, Unity State’s Health Ministry recorded a total of 73 fatalities across seven counties, coupled with approximately 1,200 reported cases of measles in the Unity State counties of Mayom, Rubkona, Leer, Mayendit, Panyijar, Guit, and Koch.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily spreads through direct contact and airborne transmission. While the virus initially affects the respiratory system, vaccinations have played a pivotal role in reducing the severity of the disease and minimizing mortality rates.