Cholera Vaccination Campaign Launched in Rubkona to Combat Outbreak | WHO, UNICEF, and Partners Support Efforts

South Sudan Launches nationwide Cholera Vaccination Campaign to Combat Outbreak

South Sudan has taken a decisive step in its fight against a devastating cholera outbreak by launching a nationwide vaccination campaign. Targeting over 300,000 people in Rubkona County, unity State, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of the disease, which has already affected thousands across the country. Rubkona County, identified as one of 31 high-risk areas, has been especially hard-hit, accounting for half of all reported cases.

The campaign is a collaborative effort led by the South Sudan Ministry of Health, alongside global partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). these organizations are working tirelessly to protect vulnerable communities from the life-threatening diarrheal disease, which thrives in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

This week, a high-level delegation, headed by H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Vice President of South Sudan for the Service Cluster, visited Rubkona County to oversee the campaign’s launch. During his visit, Vice President Akol emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating the outbreak and implementing comprehensive measures to prevent further spread.

“We thank the Ministry of Health and the partners for their unwavering commitment to curb the cholera outbreak,” said Vice President Akol. “The rollout of the cholera vaccine nationwide is part of the broader government efforts aimed at combating the cholera outbreak and saving lives.”

The launch event saw the participation of key figures, including Honorable Yolanda awel Deng Juach, Minister of Health, the Governor of Unity State, and representatives from UN agencies such as OCHA, WHO, and UNICEF. These leaders underscored the critical need for coordinated action to address the crisis effectively.

Vice President Akol outlined the government’s multi-pronged approach, which includes improving healthcare access, ensuring clean water supply, and promoting hygiene practices in affected regions. Meanwhile, Minister Deng called on all stakeholders to intensify their efforts and support the timely implementation of preventive measures.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our healthcare workers on the frontlines, who are dedicated to caring for cholera patients and curbing the transmission,” said Honorable Deng. “The vaccine we are introducing today is lifesaving, and I encourage the community to get vaccinated and adhere to all precautionary measures to minimize the risk of contracting cholera.”

Dr. Jetri Regmi, technical Officer for Health Expertise and Operations at WHO, highlighted the challenges posed by ongoing humanitarian crises, including flooding and the cholera outbreak. He stressed the importance of sustained efforts to manage the situation effectively.

“The ongoing humanitarian crises, including flooding and cholera outbreaks in South Sudan, have placed a huge burden on the health system,” said Dr. Regmi. “All stakeholders should remain steadfast in their efforts to manage the outbreak. The oral cholera vaccination campaigns serve as a protective measure for vulnerable populations and are one of the tools in our health interventions toolbox that will pave the way for lasting health outcomes.”

South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024. As of January 7, 2025, the country has reported over 17,581 cases, with a case fatality rate of 1.5%. To combat the outbreak, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has provided over 1.3 million vaccine doses, ensuring coverage in high-risk areas. The vaccination campaign in Juba began on January 8 and will continue for seven days.

This nationwide effort highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities in addressing public health emergencies. By prioritizing vaccination, improving sanitation, and promoting hygiene, South Sudan aims to turn the tide against cholera and safeguard the health of its people.

South Sudan Battles Severe cholera Outbreak: A Closer Look at Rubkona County’s Crisis

South Sudan is grappling with one of its most severe cholera outbreaks in recent years, with rubkona County emerging as a critical hotspot. Since the outbreak was declared in October 2024,over 17,581 cases have been reported nationwide,with a case fatality rate of 1.5%. Rubkona County alone accounts for half of these cases, making it a focal point for the government’s response efforts.

Why Rubkona County is a Cholera Hotspot

Dr. Amina Kalu, a Public Health Specialist and Cholera Response Coordinator for South Sudan, explains that Rubkona’s vulnerability stems from a combination of factors.”Poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and overcrowded living conditions create an environment where cholera thrives,” she says. The county’s proximity to water bodies and seasonal flooding further exacerbate the risk of contamination. Historically low vaccination coverage has also contributed to the rapid spread of the disease.

Government and International Response

In response to the crisis, the South Sudanese government, alongside international partners like WHO, UNICEF, and MSF, has launched a massive vaccination campaign. Over 1.3 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine have been secured, thanks to the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.”The campaign is not just about vaccination,” Dr. Kalu notes. “It’s also about community engagement to ensure high uptake. Teams are going door-to-door, conducting awareness sessions, and addressing misconceptions about the vaccine.”

International organizations have played a pivotal role in the effort. WHO has provided technical expertise, UNICEF is handling logistics and community mobilization, and MSF is offering on-the-ground medical care. This collaborative approach is crucial to the campaign’s success.

Leadership and Community Engagement

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol recently visited Rubkona to launch the vaccination campaign, sending a strong message of solidarity to affected communities.”His presence underscored the urgency of the situation and reassured communities that they are not alone in this fight,” Dr. Kalu explains. During his visit, Vice President akol emphasized the importance of vaccination and called for collective action to improve sanitation and hygiene practices. He also highlighted the need for sustained investment in public health infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks.

Challenges and the Road ahead

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. “One of the biggest hurdles is reaching remote and underserved areas,” Dr.Kalu admits. “We’re addressing this by deploying mobile vaccination teams and leveraging local community networks to ensure no one is left behind.”

South Sudan’s response to the cholera outbreak is a testament to the power of collaboration and resilience. by prioritizing vaccination, clean water access, and hygiene education, the country aims not only to curb the current outbreak but also to build long-term resilience against future health crises.

Overcoming Health Challenges in Remote Areas: A Path Forward

In regions plagued by conflict and isolation, delivering essential healthcare services like vaccines and medical supplies is no small feat. Poor infrastructure and security concerns create significant barriers. Though, innovative strategies are being employed to bridge these gaps. Mobile vaccination units and community health workers are stepping up, working hand-in-hand with local leaders to ensure no one is left behind.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

Another hurdle in these efforts is vaccine hesitancy. Misinformation and fear often discourage people from getting vaccinated. To combat this,trust-building initiatives are underway.Religious and community leaders are being engaged to dispel myths and foster confidence in vaccination programs. As one expert put it, “We’re engaging religious and community leaders to build trust and dispel myths.”

Preventing Future Outbreaks

Looking ahead, the focus is on long-term solutions to prevent future health crises. Key measures include improving access to clean water and sanitation,strengthening disease surveillance systems,and investing in public health education. “Prevention is key,” emphasizes Dr. Kalu. “We’re working on long-term solutions, such as improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and investing in public health education.”

A Call to Action

Dr. Kalu also shared a powerful message for the people of South Sudan and the global community. “To the people of South Sudan, I urge you to take this outbreak seriously. Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and seek medical care if you experience symptoms. to the international community, we need your continued support. This is not just South Sudan’s fight—it’s a global health issue that requires collective action. Together, we can overcome this crisis and build a healthier future for all.”

Collaboration and Determination

Despite the challenges, there is hope. Collaboration and determination are driving progress. As Dr. Kalu noted, “It’s a challenging journey, but with determination and collaboration, we will prevail.” This sentiment underscores the importance of unity in tackling global health issues.

What are teh biggest hurdles you’re facing, and how are you addressing them?

Interview with Dr. Amina Kalu, Public Health Specialist and Cholera Response Coordinator for South Sudan

Conducted by Archyde News

Archyde News: Dr. Kalu, thank you for joining us today. South Sudan is currently facing a severe cholera outbreak, with Rubkona County being one of the hardest-hit areas.Can you explain why Rubkona has become such a critical hotspot for this outbreak?

Dr. Amina Kalu: Thank you for having me. Rubkona County’s vulnerability to cholera stems from a combination of environmental, social, and infrastructural factors. Poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and overcrowded living conditions create an surroundings where cholera thrives. The county’s proximity to water bodies and seasonal flooding further exacerbate the risk of contamination.Additionally, historically low vaccination coverage has left the population more susceptible to the rapid spread of the disease.

Archyde News: The South Sudanese government, alongside international partners, has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign. Can you tell us more about this initiative and its goals?

Dr. Kalu: Absolutely. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 300,000 people in Rubkona County and other high-risk areas across the country. We’ve secured over 1.3 million doses of the oral cholera vaccine, thanks to the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. However, this campaign is not just about vaccination. It’s also about community engagement to ensure high uptake. Our teams are going door-to-door, conducting awareness sessions, and addressing misconceptions about the vaccine. The goal is to protect vulnerable populations and curb the spread of cholera.

Archyde News: International organizations like WHO,UNICEF,and MSF are playing a pivotal role in this effort. How are they contributing to the campaign?

Dr. Kalu: The collaboration with international partners has been instrumental. WHO has provided technical expertise to guide the campaign, ensuring that we follow best practices in vaccine distribution and outbreak management. UNICEF is handling logistics and community mobilization, which is critical for reaching remote areas. MSF is offering on-the-ground medical care, treating cholera patients, and supporting our healthcare workers. This coordinated approach is essential for the campaign’s success.

Archyde News: Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol recently visited Rubkona to launch the vaccination campaign. What message did his visit send to the affected communities?

Dr. Kalu: Vice President Akol’s visit was a powerful presentation of solidarity. His presence underscored the urgency of the situation and reassured communities that they are not alone in this fight. during his visit,he emphasized the importance of vaccination and called for collective action to improve sanitation and hygiene practices. He also highlighted the need for sustained investment in public health infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks. This kind of leadership is crucial for building trust and encouraging community participation.

Archyde News: Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. What are the biggest hurdles you’re facing, and how are you addressing them?

Dr. Kalu: One of the biggest challenges is reaching remote and underserved areas. Many of these communities are difficult to access due to poor infrastructure and ongoing flooding. To address this, we’re deploying mobile vaccination teams and leveraging local community networks. These teams are trained to navigate challenging terrain and ensure that no one is left behind. Additionally, we’re working to address vaccine hesitancy by engaging community leaders and conducting targeted awareness campaigns.

Archyde News: Looking ahead, what steps are being taken to prevent future cholera outbreaks in South Sudan?

dr. Kalu: Prevention is key. Beyond the vaccination campaign, we’re focusing on improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities.We’re also promoting hygiene practices through education and community outreach. Long-term, we need sustained investment in public health infrastructure to build resilience against future outbreaks. This includes strengthening healthcare systems, training healthcare workers, and ensuring that vaccines and medical supplies are readily available.

Archyde News: what message would you like to share with the international community and the people of South Sudan?

Dr. Kalu: To the international community, I would say thank you for your support, but we need continued collaboration and resources to overcome this crisis. to the people of South Sudan, I urge you to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and support one another during this challenging time. Together, we can turn the tide against cholera and build a healthier future for our nation.

Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Kalu, for your insights and for the incredible work you and your team are doing to combat this outbreak.

Dr. Kalu: Thank you. It’s a collective effort, and we’re committed to saving lives and protecting our communities.

End of Interview