Severe Flooding Amplifies Health Crisis in South Sudan: WHO Report
Severe flooding in South Sudan has displaced over 226,000 people, severely impacted health services, and increased the risk of diseases like cholera and malaria. The WHO has begun distributing emergency health kits to assist affected populations amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Climate change has exacerbated these flooding events, stressing the need for resilient health systems.
South Sudan is currently experiencing unprecedented flooding, resulting in catastrophic impacts across the nation, particularly affecting over 226,000 individuals who have been displaced. The severity of the flooding has submerged roads and vital infrastructure, thereby obstructing access to numerous communities. According to the United Nations, flooding has afflicted 42 of the 78 counties in South Sudan, with 58 health facilities inundated and approximately 90 others unreachable due to blocked routes, including major connections to Juba, where advanced health services are stationed. As of October 4, 2024, flooding has affected approximately 890,000 people in these counties. Typically, the heavy rains from April through November instigate floods; however, these phenomena have grown more intense due to climate change, straining community resources and occasionally leading to permanent displacement of populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that the floods have intensified an already challenging humanitarian scenario in South Sudan, which is reeling from the influx of nearly 800,000 refugees and returnees fleeing armed conflict in neighboring Sudan. In addition to flooding, there are new concerns regarding health crises in the region, including two suspected cases of cholera identified in Renk County of Upper Nile State, a significant entry point for refugees. Moreover, malaria cases have surged with over 120,000 instances and 31 suspected fatalities reported as of the end of September. “People are in a heightened state of vulnerability due to multiple shocks. WHO is committed to work with the Ministry of Health and our partners to ensure that they have access to essential health services continue while also prioritizing the response to growing humanitarian and health needs,” stated Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the WHO Representative in South Sudan. In response to the health crisis exacerbated by flooding, the WHO has distributed approximately 88 metric tonnes of emergency health kits to various strategic locations, including Renk, Bentiu, Malakal, and Bor counties, aimed at aiding flood-impacted populations. These kits are engineered to provide treatment for over 870,000 individuals, encompassing critical medical supplies such as emergency health kits, cholera investigation and treatment supplies, antimalarial medications, and snakebite antivenoms. Furthermore, since the beginning of January 2024, nearly 1,300 malaria kits have been disseminated nationwide, along with the prepositioning of cholera investigation kits and diagnostic tests. The WHO is diligently working alongside the Ministry of Health to escalate its response to this fluctuating health emergency, while also coordinating an emergency health response with various partners. They recently conducted a rapid needs assessment in Cueibet County of Lakes State. In conjunction with partner organizations, WHO continues to monitor health effects of the flooding with particular attention to vector-borne and water-borne diseases. The organization is coordinating its flood response on the ground to ensure emergency health assistance is effectively relayed to those in dire need. To address the pressing issue of climate change, WHO is assisting countries in establishing measures to bolster their capabilities in responding to climate and environmental health impacts, monitoring national progress towards safeguarding health systems from climate impacts, and working to reduce the carbon footprint of health systems. Additionally, the UN health agency is advocating for substantial investment directed towards the creation of resilient health systems and infrastructure to withstand climate-related challenges and safeguard vulnerable populations.
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is increasingly complex, with ongoing conflicts driving a significant number of refugees into the country. Coupled with the cyclical flooding caused by seasonal rains, the health infrastructure is under severe strain, particularly given the frequent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria that accompany such health crises. Climate change has intensified these flooding events, leading to greater challenges in ensuring the health and safety of affected populations.
South Sudan is facing a multifaceted health emergency exacerbated by severe flooding, which has displaced thousands and inundated health facilities. The WHO’s ongoing support and provision of emergency health kits aim to address the urgent public health needs. As climate change continues to amplify the challenges of flooding, there is a pressing need for systemic investment in health infrastructure and a concerted effort to mitigate future climate impacts.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
