Cholera Outbreak Claims 26 Lives in Duk County Amid Ongoing Conflict and Displacement
Duk County in Jonglei State is grappling with a severe cholera outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals, including both displaced persons and members of the host community. The outbreak has also affected numerous civilians fleeing the ongoing conflict in northern Jonglei.
According to the County Health Department, a total of 914 cholera cases have been reported since the outbreak began, with six currently active cases. The situation has worsened due to an influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) arriving from neighboring counties such as Uror, as well as those fleeing within Duk County itself.
The County Health Director, Arak Simon, explained that insecurity in the region has forced many locals to gather along the canal in Padiet and Poktap, which has significantly contributed to the rapid spread of cholera. Overcrowding and poor hygiene conditions in these areas have facilitated the transmission of the disease.
Health authorities have indicated that the cholera response efforts are being overwhelmed by the surge in cases. Cholera treatment kits supplied by Tearfund are reportedly insufficient to meet the rising demand. To curb the outbreak, urgent measures including improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), increased medical supplies, and enhanced surveillance and case management are urgently needed.
Simon called for increased support from partners and humanitarian agencies to address this critical public health emergency. The ongoing conflict, which has involved fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO since late December 2025, has displaced thousands of civilians. Many have been forced to move to other parts of Jonglei or cross into neighboring states like Lakes State, further complicating efforts to control the outbreak and assist those affected.
