A Deepening Crisis
South Sudan is facing a complex humanitarian crisis, with ongoing conflict and mass displacement creating conditions ripe for the spread of disease. The lack of clean water and sanitation is particularly concerning, as waterborne disease in South Sudan is a major threat. Cholera outbreaks fuelled by a lack of access to clean water and sanitation, are claiming lives and pushing already vulnerable communities to the brink. Reports from organisations like CARE International and the World Health Organisation highlight the severity of the situation, with new cases emerging daily.
The numbers are staggering. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by violence, forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in overcrowded camps or makeshift settlements. These conditions, often lacking basic sanitation and hygiene facilities, create a breeding ground for disease. News reports highlight the scale of the displacement crisis, with an estimated 50,000 people affected by recent clashes alone. This displacement isn’t just a matter of relocation; it’s a disruption of entire lives, cutting off access to essential resources and increasing vulnerability to a host of threats. This lack of access to basic necessities increases the risk of waterborne disease in South Sudan’s displaced populations.
Cholera: A Rapid and Deadly Threat
Cholera, a diarrhoeal disease caused by drinking contaminated water or food, spreads rapidly in these environments. It can lead to severe dehydration and death within hours if left untreated. Children, the elderly, and those already weakened by malnutrition or other illnesses are particularly vulnerable. The rapid onset of symptoms and the speed with which cholera can dehydrate a person make it particularly dangerous in situations where medical care is limited or not available. The situation is not unique to South Sudan; similar challenges are being faced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where waterborne diseases, including cholera, are a serious concern. This shows a broader regional challenge of maintaining public health infrastructure in the face of conflict and instability.
Beyond the Conflict and The Challenge of Clean Water Access
Even in areas not directly affected by active conflict, access to clean water remains a major challenge in South Sudan. Local authorities are taking steps to address the issue, such as the inspection of water tankers. However, the scale of the problem requires a many-sided and sustained response, involving not only immediate relief efforts but also long-term investments in water infrastructure and sanitation systems. Addressing the challenge of waterborne disease in South Sudan requires a long-term commitment to improving water infrastructure.
The Wider Impact of Unsafe Water
The dangers of unsafe water in South Sudan extend far beyond the immediate threat of cholera. Prolonged exposure to contaminated water can lead to a range of debilitating health issues, including intestinal worms, typhoid fever, and dysentery. These illnesses weaken the immune system, leaving individuals, particularly children, more susceptible to other diseases and contributing to widespread malnutrition. This creates a destructive cycle, where compromised health hinders communities’ ability to recover and rebuild. The long-term effects of contaminated water cause an increase in chronic illnesses.
Integration of Women and Girls’ Plight
The impact of the water crisis disproportionately affects women and girls in South Sudan. As primary caregivers and water collectors, they face a heightened risk of infection and are bearing the brunt of the cholera outbreak, accounting for more than half of reported cases. Displacement into overcrowded camps exacerbates their vulnerability, with poorly lit and unsafe sanitation facilities increasing the risk of violence. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are particularly at risk, as cholera can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. The burden of caring for sick family members also falls heavily on women, further straining their resources and well-being. Ensuring access to safe water and sanitation is not just a matter of public health; it is a critical step in protecting the dignity and safety of women and girls in South Sudan.
Safe Water: A Lifeline in Crisis
Access to safe drinking water is not just a matter of convenience; it is a basic human right and a critical factor in survival. In emergencies, the lack of clean water can quickly become a life-or-death situation. Providing safe water prevents dehydration, reduces the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera, and allows communities to focus on rebuilding their lives. Beyond the immediate health benefits, access to clean water also has significant social and economic impacts. It frees up time and resources that would otherwise be spent collecting water or caring for the sick, allowing individuals to pursue education, work, and other activities that contribute to their well-being and the growth of their communities.
Water Purification: A Critical Intervention and a Call to Understanding
Various methods exist to make water safe for drinking, even in the most challenging circumstances. These range from large-scale water treatment plants to simple household methods. Water purification tablets, such as Aquatabs, offer a practical and effective way to treat water and protect vulnerable populations at the household and community level. Understanding the importance of safe drinking water in emergencies is crucial for supporting effective relief efforts and preventing further suffering in South Sudan and other crisis-affected regions.
References:
- CARE International. (2025, February 27). South Sudan faces deadly cholera outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.care.org/media-and-press/south-sudan-faces-deadly-cholera-outbreak/
- World Health Organisation. (2025, January). South Sudan Cholera Situation Report, Issue #13. Retrieved from https://www.afro.who.int/sites/default/files/2025-01/South%20Sudan%20Cholera%20Situation%20Report_Issue%20%2313.pdf
- Yeni Safak. (2024, January 24). 50,000 residents displaced by violence in South Sudan. Retrieved from https://www.yenisafak.com/en/news/50000-residents-displaced-by-violence-in-south-sudan-3699918
- The New Arab. (2024, January 24). South Sudan clashes displace 50,000 as West offer to mediate. Retrieved from https://www.newarab.com/news/south-sudan-clashes-displace-50000-west-offer-mediate
- The Standard. (2024, January 24). Clashes in South Sudan displace 50,000: UN. Retrieved from https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/africa/article/2001514076/clashes-in-south-sudan-displace-50000-un
- MSN. (2024, March 15). Cholera and mpox cases increasing dangerously in DRC as aid cuts push health systems to near collapse. Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-xl/politics/government/cholera-and-mpox-cases-increasing-dangerously-in-drc-as-aid-cuts-push-health-systems-to-near-collapse-press-release/ar-AA1BeCaS?ocid=BingNewsVerp
- Radio Tamazuj. (2024, March 14). C. Equatoria orders inspection of water tankers amidst cholera outbreak. Retrieved from https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/c-equatoria-orders-inspection-of-water-tankers-amidst-cholera-outbreak
