Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - A serious outbreak of diarrhoea with 1,500 cases and tens of people dead is devastating the already poverty stricken region of Southern Sudan.
The main towns affected are Yei from where the outbreak spread and where 26 people have died and Juba, the main city in Southern Sudan where 21 people have died and concern is high.
In this part of Sudan less than one third of the people have access to safe water. Yei is a densely populated city which has not have enough wells for its constantly growing population. The people use river water for home use and animals and most water samples tested show signs of contamination with faeces which explains the spread of diarrhoea and the risk of cholera. There is fear of a possible combination with other pathologies connected with malnutrition and other infectious diseases.
Researcher have yet to establish the nature of the outbreak. Samples have been sent to laboratories in Kenya. One of the symptoms of the disease is acute diarrhoea which causes dehydration and can be lethal without adequate treatment.
NGOs in the area have intensified aid in the area, UNICEF sent medicines, soap, water cans, water pumps and well digging equipment.
Only last month 30 January the UN High Commission for Refugees signed an agreement in Kinshasa (RDC), with the governments of Sudan and Democratic Congo with regard to voluntary repatriation for 13,000 Sudanese refugees in Democratic Congo and 6,800 Congolese refugees in Sudan. This agreement was possible following an agreement on 9 January which put an end to 21 years of civil war in Sudan. The “exchange” of refugees will concern the south of Sudan most affected by the present epidemic. (AP) (18/2/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:35; Parole:421)
