180 pregnant women and children in Aweil East County of Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State have died of malaria and diarrhea between May and August, an official has said.

The County health officer, Santino Mawien Bol, says malaria is the leading cause of death in Makuech Kiir payam because, he said, the area cannot be reached during the rainy season.

He says many people have diedof malaria because there is no health facility in that area.

“As a result, we have formed an investigation committee to assess the payam and come back with a full report,’’ said Mr Bol.

Health authorities in the state are urging people to sleep under treated mosquito net in order to stay safe from malaria.