A man pushing sacks of empty plastic bottles pauses for a drink of water. Photo courtesy.

Health officials and community members are raising alarm over poor hygiene practices, including the reuse of plastic bottles in markets, warning that this could worsen the ongoing cholera outbreak in South Sudan.

Across markets in Juba, empty plastic bottles are reportedly being collected from streets and garbage sites, then reused to package and sell local soft drinks, juice, and cooking oil, raising serious public health concerns.

The concerns were raised during a public awareness programme under the “Cholera Free Payam Juba” campaign, which is being implemented by ForAfrika South Sudan with support from UNICEF on the Dawn Show.

The campaign focuses on cholera prevention, sanitation, hygiene, and community awareness in cholera-affected areas of Juba County.

During the discussion, callers expressed concern that traders are collecting used plastic bottles from dirty areas and reusing them to sell juice and cooking oil in markets such as Konyokonyo and Customs.

One caller said the practice poses a serious health risk and called for stronger regulation from the Ministry of Health and improved access to nearby health centres.

“In markets like Customs and Konyokonyo, many juice sellers reuse plastic bottles collected from streets and garbage areas. These bottles are washed and reused for drinks and oils, which can be unsafe. The Ministry of Health should regulate this practice and improve access to nearby health centres to reduce disease outbreaks,” the caller said.

The caller also appealed for more health centres in communities to help respond quickly to disease outbreaks.

In response, Central Equatoria State Surveillance Officer Yona Kenyi acknowledged the public health concern but said economic realities make it difficult to completely stop the reuse of plastic bottles.

“Used plastic bottles are thrown everywhere and later collected for reuse, increasing waste and health risks. Since many people depend on this business and there are no local bottle factories, awareness is needed to ensure bottles are properly cleaned before reuse,” Yohana Kenyi said.

Health officials continue to urge proper hygiene, sanitation, and safe handling of food and water containers as part of efforts to contain cholera.