Figure 1.Guinea worm emerging from the foot of a patient in South Sudan (Credit: Makoy S. Yibi)

Lake State’s Ministry of Health, with support from the Carter Center, has announced a reward of 400,000 South Sudanese Pounds for individuals who report confirmed cases of Guinea worm in humans, domestic animals and wildlife.

The Acting Minister of Health in Lake State, Nelson Makoi Makur, said the incentive is part of joint efforts by the government and the Carter Center to strengthen surveillance and eliminate the disease.

He urged communities and volunteers involved in the Guinea worm eradication program to remain vigilant and report suspected cases.

Makur said protecting public health also includes protecting the environment and animals, calling on residents to report cases promptly, especially in affected areas such as Rumbek North.

“I call upon our people and the volunteers involved in the Guinea worm program to report cases. If you report Guinea worm, whether in humans, domestic animals or wild animals, you will be rewarded with 400,000 South Sudanese Pounds,” he said.

“The health of our people is the health of our environment and our animals. Please protect yourself and report cases. I am sure there will be no more cases of Guinea worm in Rumbek North,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Carter Center Country Representative, Dr. Suhair Bonga, welcomed the joint commitment, saying such leadership is needed across the country.

“There are eight counties in South Sudan that are endemic for Guinea worm. Of those, three are in Lake State — Rumbek North, Awerial and Yirol West,” he said.

“Last year, two confirmed human cases were recorded, and both were in Lake State,” he added.

The Acting Director General in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ezekiel Maker, said efforts are underway to ensure no one is affected by the disease.

“For us in South Sudan, we are working hard to make sure that nobody is affected by Guinea worm,” he said.

“To achieve this goal, we need active case detection, a strong reporting system, and coordination from the community level to health facilities, supported by government and partners,” he added.