(RUMBEK) – The Ministry of Health in Lakes State has launched a major door to door vaccination campaign aimed at preventing the spread of Onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness. The campaign will target over one million people aged five and above across the state.
River blindness is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of blackflies. It can cause severe itching, skin disease, and irreversible blindness. The mass drug administration (MDA) programme aims to stop its spread by reaching residents in all six counties of the state.
According to Abraham Taban Maker, the State MDA Coordinator, the current round of vaccinations covers Rumbek Central, Rumbek East, Rumbek North, Cueibet, Yirol East, and Yirol West. Two additional counties—Wulu and Awerial—are being scheduled for later phases.
“People in these six counties will receive treatment over the next 14 days,” said Maker. “Wulu already conducted its MDA in April, so our next target after this phase is Awerial County.”
He confirmed that Awerial County will receive a triple-drug combination during the next round. The treatment includes medication for Onchocerciasis (OV), elephantiasis, and a third condition requiring Balthazi medication. These drugs will be administered simultaneously to improve efficiency and coverage.
Elsewhere in the campaign, residents in the six counties including Wulu are receiving ivermectin (IBM) and albendazole, medicines commonly used for treating river blindness and elephantiasis.
Rumbek Central County Medical Officer, Gol Manyiel Gol, noted that the local team is conducting simultaneous campaigns for both river blindness and elephantiasis. “We have deployed 2,286 community health workers who are going door-to-door across villages,” he explained.
He added that participation has been positive. “Our people are cooperating well. Everyone is taking the medicine, including myself. Even journalists are welcome to take the drugs.”
Manyiel said that since the campaign began, no side effects have been reported, which has helped ease public concern and build trust in the initiative.
However, he acknowledged a persistent lack of awareness in some communities, especially among cattle keepers. “Some people believe they should only take the medicine if they are already sick. They don’t understand that this is a preventive treatment, not a cure.”
Health officials are working to educate communities that the drugs are safe, effective, and essential to stopping the diseases before they take hold.
The campaign is part of South Sudan’s wider public health strategy to eliminate neglected tropical diseases and improve access to preventive care, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Summary Table – Lakes State MDA Campaign
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Population | Over 1,000,000 (ages 5 and above) |
| Counties Covered (Current) | Rumbek North, East, Central, Cueibet, Yirol East, Yirol West |
| Counties Covered (Later) | Wulu (completed in April), Awerial (upcoming) |
| Drugs Administered | Ivermectin, Albendazole, Balthazi |
| Vaccination Method | Door-to-door via 2,286 officers |
| Duration of Campaign | 14 days (current phase) |
