Nhial Gatkuoth, a clinical officer at the Nasir non-profit Universal Network for Knowledge and Empowerment Agency, notes a surge in measles and malaria cases. Gatkuoth said they are waiting for a vaccination effort from the Upper Nile State Ministry of Health.
"The ministry is preparing to vaccinate affected children. We manage suspected cases in the hospital, with one death each in October and November, but no deaths in the other months."
Floods impede health workers' access to remote villages, exacerbating the situation.
Lam Wunthow, a nurse at Nile Hope in Nasir Hospital, highlights common illnesses like measles, malnutrition, and malaria in remote Upper Nile State villages.
"In the last three months, we faced epidemic infections such as malaria and measles outbreaks. We've had increased admission cases with malaria. Malnutrition, malaria, and measles outbreaks affect children under five years old."
Wunthow notes some measles vaccines have been poorly administered and there are drug shortages at Nasir Hospital, worsening patients' conditions.
"The government should select professionals to assess infected areas,” he said.
Nyakim Chuol, a Nasir resident, laments four malaria-related child deaths this month due to drug and mosquito net shortages.
"Floods reach inhabited areas, leaving no space for latrines, encouraging open defecation. We lack food, non-food items like nets and soap. Poor hygiene leads to infections like malaria and trachoma."
Paul Ruot, Nasir County health director, reports a high number of measles cases and a shortage of anti-malaria drugs.
"We have many measles cases in Nasir, and malaria cases are numerous. We lack anti-malaria drugs; they're finished."
Ruot outlines plans for a measles vaccination campaign in February, pending approval from the State Ministry of Health.
"I've sent a micro-plan to the state ministry in Malakal, awaiting approval. The campaign for measles will start this month or the next."
Isaac Kwongo Ogilo, director general of Upper Nile State Ministry of Health, previously cited a lack of medicines as adding to the problem, with people unable to afford drugs from pharmacies.
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