GENEVA, Switzerland, November 6, 2024 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has intensified its interventions in the face of a cholera epidemic which broke out in Renk, in the State of Upper Nile, which serves as the main arrival point for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Renk is also home to a transit center where more than 13,000 newly arrived people are housed.
South Sudan’s Ministry of Health declared an outbreak after six cases were confirmed in Renk. To date, the situation remains critical with 59 suspected cases reported by the South Sudan Ministry of Health.
“The response team on the ground is working around the clock to ensure those affected receive the necessary care and support, while preventative measures are implemented to limit the spread,” said Aaron Adkins, Coordinator. of IOM’s emergency response in South Sudan.
The flow of displaced people arriving in crowded conditions with limited access to clean water and sanitation has increased the risk of cholera transmission in transit centers and host communities. In response to this public health emergency, IOM has implemented comprehensive emergency measures in close coordination with local health authorities and partner organizations.
More than 684,000 people fleeing conflict in Sudan have entered through the Wunthuo entry point in Renk. IOM has established a presence there where it supports surveillance activities and the identification of suspected cases of cholera. IOM-trained clinicians are deployed at the point of entry and transit centers in Renk and Malakal to improve rapid detection and reporting of cases. Recognizing the importance of immediate treatment, IOM has established Oral Rehydration Points (PROs) at the POE clinic and transit center to provide life-saving hydration to affected individuals.
Risk communication is a critical aspect of IOM’s interventions, with ongoing efforts to educate the community on cholera prevention, the importance of hygiene practices, and the need for early treatment. This awareness allows individuals to take proactive steps to preserve their health.
In addition to these efforts, IOM has strengthened local capacity by training clinicians in case definition and identification, as well as the use of rapid diagnostic tests. These trainings are crucial for the detection and rapid response to cholera cases, ensuring that patients receive effective and timely care.
IOM interventions also focused on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to stem the spread of the disease. This includes ensuring that people receiving transport assistance to their destination (Onward Transportation Assistance, OTA) are made aware of cholera control protocols in order to minimize risks during their transit.
The outbreak in Renk represents a serious threat to vulnerable populations arriving from Sudan, who are already facing serious difficulties. IOM’s multifaceted interventions, in collaboration with other humanitarian organizations and under the coordination of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center, aim to contain the outbreak and protect those most at risk.
IOM remains committed to supporting the Government of South Sudan and working with partners to provide essential assistance, protect public health and build resilience in Renk and surrounding areas. Continued support from the international community is essential to maintain and expand these critical interventions as the situation evolves.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) for the World Bank.
For media inquiries, please contact:
In South Sudan: Cyprine Cheptepkeny, ccheptekeny@iom.int
In Nairobi: Yvonne Ndege yndege@iom.int
In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-11-06 08:54:00
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**Interview with Aaron Adkins, Coordinator of IOM’s Emergency Response in South Sudan**
**Host:** Thank you for joining us today, Aaron. As we know, South Sudan is currently facing a cholera outbreak in Renk County. Can you provide us with an update on the situation?
**Aaron Adkins:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation remains critical. The South Sudan Ministry of Health has reported over 59 suspected cholera cases, with a number of these confirmed. Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure those affected receive the necessary medical care and support.
**Host:** What specific measures is the International Organization for Migration (IOM) implementing in response to this outbreak?
**Aaron Adkins:** We have implemented a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes establishing Oral Rehydration Points to provide immediate hydration for those affected. We’re also conducting surveillance activities at the Wunthuo entry point, where many displaced people are arriving. Additionally, we’ve launched awareness campaigns to educate communities about cholera prevention and the importance of hygiene.
**Host:** Renk is mentioned as a key transit point for thousands of people fleeing conflict in Sudan. How is the influx of people affecting the cholera situation?
**Aaron Adkins:** The arrival of over 684,000 people in crowded conditions with limited access to clean water significantly increases the risk of cholera transmission. This is why our focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives, alongside healthcare, is crucial. We’re ensuring that those receiving assistance are aware of cholera control protocols.
**Host:** What role does community engagement play in managing this health crisis?
**Aaron Adkins:** Community engagement is essential. We’re training local clinicians in case identification and response, and we emphasize the importance of early treatment. By educating the community about good hygiene practices and the disease itself, we empower individuals to take proactive steps to protect their health.
**Host:** Lastly, how can the international community assist in this critical situation?
**Aaron Adkins:** Continued support is vital. We rely on international partnerships to maintain and expand our interventions. Resources for medical supplies, personnel, and community outreach efforts are crucial to effectively contain the outbreak and support the vulnerable populations in these transit centers.
**Host:** Thank you, Aaron, for your insights and the important work that IOM is doing in South Sudan.
**Aaron Adkins:** Thank you for having me. We appreciate the attention to this critical public health emergency.
