The Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services said Friday that the death toll from the cholera outbreak across the country has risen to 60.
Addressing reporters shortly after the cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir in Juba, Makuei said refugees and internally displaced persons have been the most affected by the outbreak.
“It is now spreading all over, we have lost about 60 people who are dead, and up to now we have about 6,000 cases of cholera,” he reported. “Most cases are specifically in the IDP camps and the Protection of Civilians site (POCs) in Juba, Rubkona, and Aweil and the refugee camps for Sudanese in the northern parts of South Sudan in the area of Renk. This cholera is rampant.”
According to Minister Makuei, the government is exerting efforts to rescue the situation and plans are underway to acquire more vaccines. He also urged South Sudanese to adopt preventive measures to avoid the rapid spread of the disease.
“The Ministry of Health has asked for vaccines, the quantity received so far is minimal and they have sent them to Renk so that the people there are rescued. Efforts are underway to get more vaccines for the other areas,” he said. “However, the message of the health minister is to keep your house clean, keep your children and family clean, and do not eat cold food, this is the best protection against cholera.”