The international medical organisation is urging agencies in Upper Nile State to join efforts to curb the disease’s spread within the region and beyond.

Since its launch, the MSF-supported CTU has treated 45 cases, with two recorded fatalities. Many patients are recent arrivals fleeing the ongoing war in Sudan, where a cholera outbreak was declared in August.

However, the facility is also receiving patients from the local population in Renk, where overcrowding, open defecation, and contaminated water sources pose serious health risks.

"Given the inadequate, overcrowded living conditions and the continued influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan into Renk and Malakal, there is an urgent need for action to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene to prevent further spread of the disease," said Emanuele Montobbio, MSF’s Field Co-ordinator for the Renk emergency programme.

Recent weeks have seen up to 800 people entering Renk daily, fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

Less than 300 kilometres from Renk, MSF teams in Malakal have also reported a sharp rise in cholera cases. As Malakal serves as a transit destination for many refugees and returnees travelling from Renk, the risks of disease transmission are particularly high.

While some refugees stay in Malakal, many continue travelling to other regions in South Sudan, adding to the urgency for coordinated preventive measures.

MSF has reiterated the need for a coordinated response among organisations in Upper Nile State to prevent the outbreak’s further spread.

--ChannelAfrica/MSF--