Ministry of Health Undersecretary Dr. Harriet Pasquale speaks on Eye Radio's Dawn Show. November 13, 2024. (Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio).

The National Ministry of Health disclosed on Friday it has registered a nationwide cumulative total of 15,127 suspected cases of cholera and related 237 deaths – with Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) recording cases.

Dr. Harriet Pasquale, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, said 30 counties in seven states and one administrative area from across the country have reported cases of the outbreak first declared in October 2024.

Ruweng Administrative Area in the country’s north – which hosts a large number of returnees and Sudanese refugees – has revealed numerous suspected cased and Dr. Harriet said they collected samples for confirmation.

“At the moment, cumulatively, since the beginning of the outbreak, we have reported 15,127 cases and 237 deaths. Currently, the outbreak has spread to 30 counties and seven states plus one administrative area,” she said in an exclusive interview with Eye Radio on Friday.

“We just received an information from Ruweng administrative areas that they have suspected cases of cholera. We are now following up with the states to be able to collect samples and confirm them with the culture.”

She said the ministry has deployed teams across the country for rapid intervention. Dr. Harriet said cholera facilities are being established to manage the cases.

“We have also put in place measures to ensure that patients affected by cholera are being treated. So, cholera treatment facilities are being established, health education and community mobilization and engagement activities are taking place.”

The cholera outbreak first declared in October 2024 has rapidly spread across South Sudan with more than 13,000 cases and 200 deaths – as Unity State recorded the highest number of cases and deaths.

South Sudan has received 1.1 million doses of vaccines to fight the outbreak.