Government officials and UNICEF workers at Rubkona airstrip

The government and UN children agency on Tuesday carried out vaccination campaign in Rubkona County of Unity State in a bid to address the disease outbreak that has claimed 254 lives and affected over 17,000 people nationwide.

The campaign was led by Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, the Health Minister, and various partners, according to UNICEF.

In a social media post UNICEF said “Unity State accounts for 9,000+ cases and 180 deaths, representing 51% of the national toll.

According to the UN children agency, the Vice President emphasized the urgent need for clean water, sanitation, and improved healthcare services while cautioning against unsafe remedies.

Meanwhile, UNICEF said cholera case management continues at 8 Treatment Centers and 2 Units across Rubkona, Bentiu, Koch, and Leer.

In an effort to contain the fast spreading disease, UNICEF alongside South Sudan’s health ministry has reached 950,000+ people with cholera prevention messages, trained 274 mobilizers and hygiene promoters, distributed 1,340 Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials in key locations and engaged 25 church leaders to amplify awareness.