The incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) has witnessed a concerning surge among the local population of Ayod County, Jonglei State, since the commencement of this year.
Disturbingly, health authorities have identified 45 registered patients who remain untreated, underscoring a pressing health crisis.
Addressing the escalating tuberculosis crisis, Maker Mathot Nyuon, the county’s health director, has illuminated the exacerbating factors contributing to the rise in cases.
He revealed a harrowing statistic, stating, “We are talking about cases in our registry; we have 45 cases, let alone the ones in the community. These cases are common among the elderly and the children.” Nyuon elucidated that a distressing 17 deaths had been recorded in the year 2022 alone, a testament to the gravity of the situation.
Nyuon disclosed, “The biggest problem is that we lack TB medication even for those in the registry. We only prescribe pain relief.” Describing the current medication availability, he added, “These drugs we have are for first aid and emergencies. We also lack a referral facility. TB is really killing people. Sometimes people could go to Old Fangak and Langkien to seek treatment. Cases of Kala-Azar are also there, with 15 active cases.”
James Chuol Jiek, the Ayod County commissioner, implored for intervention to avert a worsening crisis. “Our situation is dire, and this is worsening with the arrival of a large number of people from Sudan. We lack medication for TB and other diseases. So, we appeal to aid agencies to come to our assistance. There are so many cases of TB with huge mortalities,” Jiek stressed, highlighting the urgency of external support.
Gabriel Tot Kai, the county’s SPLM party secretary-general, echoed the sentiments of distress, emphasizing the multifaceted challenges plaguing the region. “Generally, our humanitarian situation is not good. Food and shelter are inadequate, making the health situation worse. Again, there are no drugs at health facilities. The situation for returnees and hosts is very appalling,” Kai lamented, drawing attention to the compounding issues the population faces beyond just healthcare.
TB is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. It usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with TB can die if they do not get treatment.