(ABYEI) – Health authorities in the Abyei Special Administrative Area (ASAA) have confirmed the delivery of 190,000 cholera vaccine doses from South Sudan’s national Ministry of Health in Juba, as part of a wider response to a recent outbreak in the region.
The vaccine consignment, which arrived over the weekend, was welcomed by local officials, although they noted it falls short of the 600,000 doses originally requested. The request was based on the estimated total population of Abyei, including both residents and refugees.
Abyei’s Health Minister, Dr Ayom Kurchiek, said the vaccines arrived at a crucial time following reports that at least 19 people had died from cholera, with fears of more cases in remote parts of the region where access to health services is limited. Dr Kurchiek also confirmed that the area had received vaccines for other diseases, including pneumonia, malaria, and tuberculosis.
“We are on our way to Abyei with the 190,000 cholera vaccine doses,” he told Radio Tamazuj. “It is a good start, though not enough. We had requested 600,000 doses, which corresponds with the estimated population here. We thank the national Minister of Health and her team for delivering the vaccines quickly.”
The minister called on the community to get vaccinated and not to be alarmed by potential mild side effects such as headaches, vomiting, fever, or pain at the injection site. He noted that cholera is treatable and preventable through vaccination and improved hygiene practices.
Dr Kurchiek added that preparations for the vaccination rollout are underway, with teams already training community mobilisers and vaccinators.
Abyei Health Minister Yuohna Akol also confirmed the vaccines had reached the area and expressed appreciation for the support received from the national government.
“We are grateful to the national health minister for responding to our request. Abyei has been affected by cholera, and this support is timely,” he said.
Below is a summary of vaccine delivery and population coverage:
| Requested Doses | Delivered Doses | Estimated Population | Coverage Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600,000 | 190,000 | 600,000 | ~32% |
