Eastern Equatoria Establishes Cholera Isolation Center in Kapoeta South Amid Rising Cases
By Elizabeth John – Kapoeta South
Health Authorities Respond to Cholera Outbreak
Health officials in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan, have opened a cholera isolation center in Kapoeta South County as infections continue to rise. The move comes as part of emergency measures to contain the spread of the waterborne disease in the region.
Critical Shortage of Medical Supplies
Napuyo Joseph, Acting County Health Director, reported to Radio Emmanuel that while the disease spreads rapidly, medical facilities face severe shortages of essential supplies. “We have two facilities in Kapoeta South County… The disease is still hitting and is serious,” Joseph stated.
“We have not received the supply like Raga, and all the drugs have not arrived… The government is taking the lead in shutting down local restaurants and bars—places selling white staff—and the government has handled that one.”
Resources Diverted But Still Insufficient
Joseph explained that some medical supplies originally designated for other counties were redirected to Kapoeta, but these remain inadequate to meet demand. The health director described the dire situation facing frontline workers.
“The state ministry has rated some drugs [from] Torit hospital… and the kits for cholera, which were for Ikotos and Magwi, were processed… But those are not enough. We are even lacking gloves, and the health workers are working barehanded.”
Call for Urgent Assistance
The health official issued an urgent appeal to state authorities and humanitarian organizations for additional support to prevent a wider outbreak. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery in the region.
Source: Catholic Radio Network