Category: Health

Govt, WHO intensify cholera surveillance in border areas with Sudan

The National Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization has intensified surveillance of cholera following the recent report of an imported case in Renk County of Upper Nile State.

According to the Ministry, the positive sample was from a 38-year-old male returnee from Sudan at the transit center in Renk -who was managed at a health facility and recovered.

The single case prompted an immediate response from the health authorities.

The Director General of Preventive Health Services Dr. John Rumunu told Eye Radio that the National Ministry has significantly intensified surveillance measures to promptly detect and respond to any alerts within the Country.

“They [health officials] are working tirelessly in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners to reinforce response strategies,” he said.

Dr. Rumunu the actions aimed to ensure early identification and rapid containment of any potential outbreaks.

The World Health Organization reported 4,000 cases including 161 deaths related to a cholera outbreak in neighboring Sudan, putting South Sudan’s Renk and other northern border areas at risk of the disease due to the influx of returnees and refugees.

Kurowel laments over ill-equipped National Bureau of Standards

The Chairperson of the Council of Bureau of Standards is urging the national government to build laboratories and procure standard equipment to strengthen the institution to execute its mandate of safeguarding the health of the citizens.

Kurowel Kuai Kurowelwho was appointed on November 18, 2023, raised concerns about what he said alarming influx of imported sub-standard commercial products into the country.

According to him, edible and non-edible products have for years been brought into the country without meeting acceptable safety thresholds as required by the International Organizations for Standards [ISO], the World Trade Organization as well as Sanitary and Physio-Sanitary [SPS] Measures.

Kuai described this as a very serious matter with grave consequences and a national security threat as far as the health of citizens is concerned.

“Oftentimes, and for records, these products come to our markets without meeting acceptable safety thresholds as required by the International Organization for Standard [ISO], World Trade Organization, and Sanitary and Physio-sanitary [SPS] Measures.

“This is a very serious matter of grave consequences; it is a national security threat as far as the health of our people is of significant concern, he said during his welcoming ceremony at the South Sudan National Bureau of Standard headquarters in Juba earlier today.

 Kuai appealed for adequate financial resources to build laboratories that provide a safe working environment for its staff and clients in the country.

“We are operating in a rented property. This is not even conducive for staff and clients. There is a need to build an SSNBS Headquarters that provides a conducive atmosphere and safety of our important laboratory assets and equipment,” he added.

 

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