Climate change
ABYEI, AFRICA, COTE D ’ IVOIRE, CÔTE D ’ IVOIRE, DISEASE, DISPLACEMENT, FLOODS, INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS, MALNUTRITION, MINISTRY OF HEALTH, OCHA, SEXUAL VIOLENCE, SOUTH SUDAN, SUDAN, UNITED NATIONS, UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, WHO
Isaac Bennett
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UN Warns of Malaria Surge in Flood-Stricken South Sudan
The UN has raised alarms about a possible malaria surge in South Sudan due to significant flooding affecting 1.4 million people. The country, currently facing severe food insecurity, has also introduced the R21 malaria vaccine to combat high malaria rates, where 7,680 cases occur daily. Medical professionals are hopeful that these initiatives will improve public health outcomes significantly.
The United Nations has issued a warning regarding a potential surge in malaria cases within South Sudan, a country experiencing severe flooding that has impacted approximately 1.4 million people and displaced over 379,000 amid significant food insecurity. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 43 counties are affected by the flooding, particularly in the northern regions, including the contested Abyei territory. The public health infrastructure is currently under strain due to rising malaria incidences in these inundated areas. In May, South Sudan and Côte d’Ivoire pioneered the administration of the new R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to at-risk children, signaling important advancements in the fight against malaria, a disease that poses a significant threat to public health. The Ministry of Health has received over 645,000 doses of the vaccine, distributing them across 28 counties identified as having the highest malaria burden. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights South Sudan as having one of the highest rates of malaria in the world, with an alarming rate of approximately 7,680 cases and 18 deaths reported daily. Moreover, malaria remains the primary cause of mortality among children in the nation, with the recorded pediatric cases reaching 2.8 million and 6,680 fatalities in 2022 alone. Medical professionals have expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of the R21 vaccination strategy, recognizing the considerable financial resources expended by the government on antimalarial medications and testing kits. According to the Malaria Consortium, an impressive 85 percent of the at-risk population in 2023 has been safeguarded through the recommended preventive measure of treated mosquito nets, which remain vital as a defense against mosquito bites and malaria transmission. Continued research affirms the efficacy of these nets in combating the disease.
South Sudan currently faces a dire humanitarian situation characterized by its vulnerability to climate change, leading to unprecedented flooding that has severely affected the population and overwhelmed the healthcare system. This is compounded by the nation having one of the highest malaria incidences globally, making the introduction of new vaccines and preventive measures crucial for mitigating the health crisis. The progressive efforts, such as the R21 malaria vaccine initiative, aim to improve health outcomes for children at risk, while ongoing advocacy for malaria prevention strategies underscores the importance of addressing this chronic public health issue head-on.
In summary, the United Nations warns of a potential malaria outbreak in South Sudan as the country grapples with devastating flooding and its implications for health and welfare. The introduction of the R21 malaria vaccine marks a significant advancement in combating this disease, which has a devastating impact on the pediatric population. The collaborative efforts of health officials, NGOs, and the international community to distribute mosquito nets and vaccines are pivotal in safeguarding the health of millions, amid ongoing climatic challenges.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
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