The UN health agency is training rapid response teams all over South Sudan to investigate and respond to disease outbreaks in the region.
World Health Organisation medical officer Abdinasir Abubakar told SCR News that the training is the answer to a weak capacity at state level to control outbreaks.He added that each state has sent three representatives to the five-day training to make a rapid response team: one surveillance officer, one medical officer and a lab technician.
Dr. Abubakar said that the region has been experiencing many outbreaks.
Kala azar was the most recent one affecting more than 15 thousand people.
He added that returnees are vulnerable to these outbreaks due to malnutrition, overcrowding and lack of antibodies.
Dr. Abubakar asserted that the training will build the capacities of the health officials working in the affected states to respond quickly to suspected outbreaks.
Dr. Abubakar said the World Health Organization is giving priority in states that are welcoming most returnees and Abyei victims, including Warrap, Unity and Jonglei.