By Elizabeth John – Kapoeta South
Authorities in Eastern Equatoria have established a cholera isolation center in Kapoeta South County as part of ongoing efforts to combat rising cholera infections.
Napuyo Joseph, Acting County Health Director, told Radio Emmanuel that while the disease is spreading rapidly, the county is facing a critical shortage of medical supplies.
“We have two facilities in Kapoeta South County… The disease is still hitting and is serious… We have not received the supply like Raga, and all the drugs have not arrived… The government is taking the lead in shutting down local restaurants and bars—places selling white staff—and the government has handled that one.”
Joseph added that some medical supplies meant for other counties had to be redirected to Kapoeta, but these are still insufficient.
“The state ministry has rated some drugs [from] Torit hospital… and the kits for cholera, which were for Ikotos and Magwi, were processed… But those are not enough. We are even lacking gloves, and the health workers are working barehanded. These are some of the challenges we have.”
The health official called on the state and humanitarian agencies to provide urgent assistance to avoid a wider outbreak.