The local authorities in Duk County, Jonglei State, have raised an alarm over a rapidly spreading cholera outbreak affecting both residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs), as a significant number of IDPs arrive from Uror County and other parts of Duk.
Simon Arak, Duk County Health Director, reported that 914 cholera cases have been recorded, with 26 deaths. He attributed the rapid spread to overcrowding along the canal in Padiet and Poktap, where locals and IDPs have been forced to congregate due to ongoing insecurity.
“There has been overcrowding, and when there is overcrowding, it is always risky in terms of outbreaks, which rapidly spread within the community,” he said. “Now we have received a lot of cholera cases within the IDP site, especially along the Canal in Padiet, more specifically in Ayueldit and Poktap.
According to Arak, cholera kits supplied by Tearfund have been rendered inadequate by the high population. He urged immediate action, including urgent WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions, additional cholera kits and medical supplies, and enhanced surveillance and case management.
The health official urged partners to step in to support containing the outbreak urgently.
Relatedly, Duk County Commissioner John Chatim confirmed that the security situation has improved following the SSPDF’s recapture of Pajut from SPLA-IO, but warned that IDPs face dire humanitarian conditions.
“While security has returned to Pajut, many IDPs from Pajut and Uror are living in extremely difficult conditions, lacking food, clean water, and medical care,” he reported. “Immediate humanitarian assistance is critical to prevent further loss of lives.”
Authorities continue to appeal for urgent assistance as the cholera outbreak threatens to escalate further in overcrowded IDP settlements.