Treatment and Prevention of Cholera Outbreak

On February 7, 2017, South Sudan announced the end of its longest and deadliest cholera outbreak. According to the World Health Organization, there had been more than 21,000 cases of suspected cholera and 436 deaths reported since the outbreak was declared on June 18, 2016. In Ayod County—the envisioned location for this proposed project and the area where RMF is implementing a nutrition program supported by UNICEF and WFP—3,856 cholera cases and 39 deaths were reported between June 2016 and November 2017 according to the OCHA. However, due to the armed conflict, lack of health infrastructure, and nomadic nature of the populations of concern, we believe the actual numbers of cholera cases and deaths are likely much higher. 

In the fight against cholera in South Sudan, WHO reports that during 2017, over 885,000 higher-risk people received a first round of cholera immunization and almost 500,000 received a second round of the vaccine. These immunizations and the end of the outbreak are positive developments that must be built upon. Due to the lack of health and WASH infrastructure and the approach of this year’s rainy season, populations in Ayod remain highly vulnerable to cholera. 

RMF is well positioned to implement a cholera prevention and treatment program in remote areas of Ayod County, where our national and local staff have earned the trust of communities, working daily with malnourished children under 5 years of age and pregnant and lactating women. With funding, RMF will be able to quickly and effectively integrate cholera prevention, testing, and treatment measures into our existing facilities and programs.