South Sudan is currently facing its most significant flooding crisis in decades, displacing over 226,000 individuals and severely impacting health facilities and infrastructure. WHO and partners are working tirelessly to respond to the rising health needs, including cholera and malaria outbreaks, as well as providing vital medical supplies to flood-affected communities.
South Sudan is experiencing severe flooding, the worst in decades, leading to widespread devastation across the country. The floods have displaced more than 226,000 individuals, submerged homes, disrupted livelihoods, and severely impacted infrastructure, including roads. As of October 4, 2024, 890,000 people in flood-affected regions have been impacted, particularly in 42 of the nation’s 78 counties. Among these challenges, 58 health facilities have been submerged, and approximately 90 others have become inaccessible due to the floods, affecting access to critical health services, especially in regions linked to the capital, Juba. While the rainy season traditionally causes flooding, climate change has intensified these weather patterns, ultimately exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. South Sudan is also hosting approximately 800,000 refugees and returnees from conflicts in neighboring Sudan, complicating an already dire health landscape. An alarming rise in malaria cases, with over 120,000 recorded and associated deaths, alongside two suspected cholera cases, highlights the urgency of the situation. Additionally, a surge in snakebite incidents has been reported within a short timeframe. Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in South Sudan, expressed concern, stating, “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.” In response, WHO has delivered substantial emergency health kits to multiple locations, capable of treating over 870,000 people and supplying essential medical resources. Furthermore, WHO is collaborating with local authorities to enhance health system resilience against climate-related challenges while monitoring the health impacts induced by flooding, particularly in relation to waterborne and vector-borne diseases. WHO’s broader mission includes supporting the development of climate-resilient health systems throughout the African region, recognizing the substantial threat climate change poses to human health. This includes advocating for sustainable investments to fortify health infrastructure against climate shocks.
The flooding crisis in South Sudan is intricately linked to the broader issues of climate change and humanitarian instability. The country frequently experiences heavy rainfall from April to November, a routine that has intensified due to climate change, leading to more extreme weather events. This has resulted in critical infrastructure failures, displacement of communities, and has overwhelmed an already frail health system struggling to accommodate both local needs and those of incoming refugees. With the compounded effects of a large refugee population and rising disease rates, South Sudan’s health crisis is at a tipping point, necessitating immediate and effective health interventions.
In conclusion, the severe flooding in South Sudan represents a multifaceted crisis, compounded by the existing humanitarian challenges posed by climate change and regional conflicts. The WHO’s response, including the distribution of emergency health supplies and focus on building resilient health infrastructures, is vital in mitigating the impacts of this disaster. Addressing both immediate health needs and underlying vulnerabilities will be essential in supporting South Sudan’s recovery and ensuring the health and safety of its affected populations.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
