Juba, South Sudan – South Sudan received a crucial shipment of 1.1 million doses of cholera vaccines on Monday, a critical step in the ongoing fight against a devastating cholera outbreak.
The vaccines, donated by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), arrived in Juba by air. This timely delivery will bolster the country’s efforts to contain the outbreak, which has affected six of South Sudan’s ten states since October.
“This is supposed to be a two-dose vaccine, but if you take one, you are supposed to get immunity within two weeks, and it can (protect) you for close to six months,” said Gabriel Buom Tap, UNICEF Immunization Officer. 
The cholera outbreak has had a significant impact on the country, particularly affecting displaced populations and refugees from neighboring Sudan. Over 100 people have tragically lost their lives, and over 6,000 cases have been reported.
The South Sudanese government is urging a coordinated response from all stakeholders, including the health sector, civil society, and the media. Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns and the dissemination of vital information to help contain the spread of the disease.
The ongoing conflict and displacement within South Sudan pose significant challenges to effective disease control and response efforts.
The timely arrival of these vaccines provides a crucial boost to the country’s efforts to combat the cholera outbreak.
Continued collaboration between the government, international organizations, and local communities is essential to effectively contain the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on the most vulnerable populations.
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