Eastern Equatoria State | Credit | Wikipedia

Authorities in Eastern Equatoria State have formed a task force to monitor the spread of cholera.

The state is one of the areas in the country with few latrines.

No cases of the epidemic have been report since the outbreak in Juba last month, but officials say the move is a preventive measure.

The Director General in the ministry health, Silvestro Omini, says they include representatives from some state ministries, the World Health Organization and other partners.

“The work of this taskforce to monitor the situation of cholera case in the state to monitor what is happening and where isn’t happening and where it happening and how it’s happening and what is to be done,” said Mr. Omini.

He says the task force has also been divided into clusters to address specific issues, such as hygiene and sanitation, and the handling of cases in case of an outbreak.

Mr. Omini says the decision was taken to avoid a repeat of what happened last year, when several people died of the epidemic.

Cholera is caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It can be prevented through proper hygiene and sanitation.