South Sudan is expected to receive over 400,000 doses of the yellow fever vaccine from the International Coordinating Group by Friday to response to the disease outbreak in Western Equatoria state, according to the Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Health.

Dr. Acer Macer says the International Coordinating Group (ICG), a consortium of several organizations that was established by the United Nations in 1997 agreed to release the batch of 410,596 doses this Friday.

The group acts as a mechanism to manage and coordinate the provision of emergency vaccine supplies and antibiotics to countries during major outbreaks.

The doses will be administered in five counties of Western Equatoria State.

“This is like the first emergency response to the affected counties, and then the discussions are ongoing regarding the bordering states like Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Lakes State, and Central Equatoria State.”

Early this month, the Ministry of Health confirmed the outbreak of Yellow fever in Yambio, Nzara, and Tambura counties of Western Equatoria State.

“Up to now, we still stand at the cumulative number of 25 cases including the one that was confirmed. Also, the cumulative of deaths stands at five,” said Dr. Acer Macer.

Following the outbreak, the Ministry of Health directed that all travelers entering or leaving the country ensure they carry along a yellow fever card while those without are advised to vaccinate against the disease.