By Chol Makol
Greater Pibor Administrative Area, April 2025 — Health authorities in Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have launched an oral cholera vaccination campaign on Tuesday, aiming to combat a recent surge in cholera cases. This essential intervention comes as the region faces alarming statistics, with 108 lives lost and over 2,978 people infected as of late April 2025, according to the GPAA Ministry of Health.
The outbreak, which initially emerged in Likuangole County, quickly spread to neighboring Gumruk, prompting health officials to take swift action in order to prevent further casualties. Cholera, a deadly waterborne disease, poses a significant threat to the population, particularly in areas where access to clean water and proper sanitation is limited.
John Achon, the GPAA Minister for Health, emphasized the urgency of the situation, telling this publication that the vaccination campaign will be rolled out across the entire region. “Our priority is to protect the vulnerable populations, especially those in flood-displaced camps and high-risk areas,” Achon said. “These communities are facing compromised sanitation conditions, which increase the likelihood of cholera transmission.”
The oral vaccination campaign targets a large portion of the population, especially those in areas hardest hit by the outbreak. The GPAA Ministry of Health has outlined plans to distribute vaccines to residents in flood-displaced camps, as well as to communities in rural and remote areas where access to healthcare is limited.
Authorities are working closely with local health teams and international partners to ensure that the vaccination effort is carried out efficiently and reaches the most vulnerable groups. In addition to the vaccination campaign, public health messaging on hygiene, safe water practices, and cholera prevention will continue to be a key part of the response effort.
As of now, health officials are working tirelessly to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. The GPAA Ministry of Health has urged all residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the vaccination campaign progresses. With ongoing support from humanitarian organizations, authorities are hopeful that this intervention will significantly reduce the number of new cholera cases and ultimately save lives in the region.