Health Minister Yolanda Awel provides cholera vaccine dose to a family at Gorom Refugee Camp. (Photo: MoH).

The Ministry of Health has reported a surge in cholera infections at the Gorom refugee camp and Amadi area in Juba with around 3,000 cases so far amid a dire lack of oral rehydration points and inadequate vaccination coverage.

The situation was disclosed after a field visit to Amadi Primary Health Care Center and Gorom Refugee Camp on Sunday in response to the cholera outbreak affecting various areas of Central Equatoria State.

The field visit aims to identify and address the challenges faced in combating cholera while promoting community involvement, a statement said.

“The evaluations conducted at Amadi and Gorom refugee camps revealed critical issues, particularly in the Gorom area, which has reported a total of 1,840 cholera cases, with 1,300 cases originating from the Protection of Civilians (POC) site alone,” it said.

The National Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng said her institution identified key challenges including a lack of sufficient oral rehydration points and inadequate vaccination coverage.

Ms. Awel emphasized the necessity of community engagement and the improvement of health facilities.

The health ministry launched a cholera vaccination initiative on 18th December with the goal of expanding its reach to affected populations.

Minister Awel encouraged public adherence to health regulations and appreciated health partners for their sustained commitment and assistance in addressing this public health crisis.

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

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