People line up to take oral cholera vaccine at Juba's IDPs camp 3. December 18, 2024. (Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio).

The United States Embassy in Juba said it is working with humanitarian partners – through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) – to help address the ongoing cholera outbreak in South Sudan.

In a press statement, the U.S. Embassy said it is providing funding to UN agencies and medical charity MSF to deliver emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and provide life-saving medical care.

Other priority measures include supporting vaccination campaigns, provision of treatment kits and diagnostic tests, and raising public awareness to curb the spread of cholera.

On December 29, USAID said it delivered more than 2 million Aquatab water purification tablets as part of the humanitarian response to the ongoing cholera outbreak.

The tablets, it said, will treat six million gallons of water, providing safe drinking water to communities most affected by the outbreak.

In addition to these efforts, the United States has committed $200,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support cholera response activities in South Sudan.

“This funding will enhance public awareness campaigns on the dangers of cholera and prevention measures such as safe water use, proper food handling, and good hygiene practices,” the embassy said.

“It will also strengthen WASH interventions and equip health officials with critical resources to treat cases effectively.”

Since cholera was confirmed in Upper Nile State on October 23, the outbreak has spread rapidly, with more than 13,206 cases and 199 deaths reported as of December 29.

The Aquatabs donation and additional funding underscore the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting the people of South Sudan.

The diplomatic mission reaffirmed Washington’s support to the South Sudanese people “during this challenging time”, adding that the assistance will save lives and help prevent the spread of cholera in vulnerable communities.

“We renew our call on South Sudan’s transitional government to start using public revenue to address its people’s health needs, provide other basic services, and to pay public sector salaries for health workers, other civil servants, and security personnel.”