Rev. Janet Michael, Undersecretary for Nurses and Midwives at the MoH. December 18, 2024. (Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio).

The Director General of Nurses and Midwives at the national Ministry of Health is calling on the public to follow cholera prevention guidelines by drinking clean water and staying away from flies.

On December 13, the health ministry reported 6,000 cholera cases and 60 deaths nationwide as the outbreak continues to challenge public health efforts.

First declared in October, the outbreak has rapidly spread, with rising infections and fatalities, particularly in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Juba, Rubkona, and northern South Sudan.

Rev. Janet Michael said South Sudanese should guard against the waterborne disease by ensuring they observe good hygiene and sanitation and don’t take polluted water.

She said cholera can be prevented by staying clean and also urges an end to open defecation and contamination of water sources including rivers.

She advised the public to clean their hands before and after taking fruits and biscuits during the festive season.

“Addressing cholera is for all of us to stick to our health behaviors; washing hands and making sure that your utensils are clean, you keep flies away, and these are collective responsibilities,” she said on Eye Radio’s Dawn Show.

“The government has a plan and there are facilities that are being set up for taking care of the cholera people. But of course it is expanding because there are so many factors.”

Ms. Michael said it is not the mandate of the Ministry of Health to provide clean drinking water to the people, adding that such is the role of the ministries of Water Resources and Environment.

“But for us, we advocate for clean water. The simple thing is boil your water so that you have clean water. It is a festive season, wash your hands. Don’t eat those biscuits when you go visiting without washing your hands. Help yourself by staying healthy.”

Following a cabinet meeting on December 13, Information Minister Michael Makuei described the situation as alarming.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Health is urging the public to maintain hygiene and consume warm food to prevent further spread of the disease.

According to health officials, cholera is a bacterial disease spread through contaminated water and food. It can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and even death if the disease goes untreated.

People living in places with unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene are at highest risk of cholera.