UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is warning of the potentially devastating impact of a COVID19 outbreak in South Sudan.
Years of conflict and a number of recent natural disasters have left many internally displaced people, refugees and host communities throughout the country struggling to meet their basic needs and now particularly vulnerable to the threat of COVID19.
“Years of violence have severely damaged South Sudan’s health services,” said Raouf Mazou, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations.
He added, “After last year’s floods and the recent locust swarm, people are struggling. Together with the threat of COVID19, this is a perfect storm that may lead to potentially terrible consequences for millions of people living in already precarious situations, if the virus rapidly spreads.”
South Sudan has so far recorded 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus.
In a statement on Thursday, UNHCR said it continues to work closely with South Sudanese authorities to ensure forcibly displaced populations are included in the country’s national COVID19 preparedness and response plan.
“We have constructed five emergency treatment centres to support this effort, with five more set to be built in the coming weeks. COVID19 prevention, awareness and control efforts are being put in place in all camps. Refugees and IDPs have been given extra rations of soap and additional buckets to help maintain hygiene. Outreach campaigns to spread awareness about COVID19 prevention and treatment are ongoing,” the statement reads in part.
It added, “However, ongoing inter-communal clashes, together with measures intended to limit the spread of Coronavirus, such as restrictions on movement and goods, are creating significant challenges for humanitarian organizations to provide much-needed protection and aid to affected populations.”
UNHCR echoes the appeal of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire, stressing that warring parties in South Sudan must immediately cease hostilities in these unprecedented circumstances to ensure people are able to access life-saving assistance.
The UN agency said support from the international community is urgently needed.