Over 200 deaths and half a million cases of malaria have been reported in South Sudan since the beginning of the year, according to the United Nations.

It says the figure shows a slight reduction as compared to the same period last year.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says some 88,000 of the cases and 35 related deaths were reported in IDP camps.

It says health partners are stepping up malaria preparedness and response efforts as the season during which the disease is most endemic arrives.

They include the distribution of insecticide-treated-mosquito nets which is due to be completed before August.

The spread of Malaria can be prevented by sleeping under mosquito nets to avoid bites of mosquito, which spreads the disease.