Malaria, Diarrhea and Pneumonia Cases on Rise in Tombura, Western Equitoria State.

Speaking to Radio Anisa Dr. Santino said that during the rainy season the above mentioned diseases are usually experienced in the area, however, due to poor hospital facilities it becomes a challenge for them to handle the diseases.

He mentioned that lack of electricity, enough rooms for admitting patients in the hospital and lack of hospital beds among others are the major challenges they are facing.

The doctor is therefore calling upon the locals to ensure that they cut down the tall grass surrounding their premises, sleep under treated mosquito net, and maintain proper hygiene as well as covering children with warm clothes in order to prevent the diseases.

He confirmed that there is no reported death as a result of the diseases but the number of children admitted in the hospital is alarming adding that anemia which is associated with cases malaria, is threatening the lives of children.

A visit to the hospital on Sunday, indicated that an estimate of 36 children were admitted, all of them in one room, due to lack of beds. Radio Anisa also established that some patients were using their mats on the ground, and according to Dr. Santino all were suffering from either malaria, diarrhea or pneumonia.

Dr. Santino is therefore calling upon th

e ministry of health in country as well as willing non-governmental organizations to help improve the standard of the hospital so as to enable doctors to effectively attend to patients.

He confirmed to Anisa Radio that Tambura has not recorded any cases of coronavirus although two suspected samples have been sent to Juba and are awaiting the results. He nonetheless calls upon everyone to follow the preventive measures for COVID 19.

Malaria is one of the deadliest diseases affecting many countries in Africa; according to malaria Consortium South Sudan, approximately 95% of the country is endemic of malaria, with the transmission in the country throughout the year, meaning that 2,300,000 people are currently at risk of malaria across the country.

The disease is also the leading cause of illness and death in children under five years, it is known for contributing to anemia in children.

Malaria can be prevented by preventing mosquito bites through use of mosquito nets and insects’ repellents or mosquito control meas

ures such as spraying insecticides and draining standing water.

Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi and it leaves children fighting for breath as their lungs fill with infection and fluid. According

to UNICEF pneumonia kills one child every one hour in South Sudan.

Pneumonia can be prevented by; eating right with plenty of fruits and vegetables, enough sleep, hand washing regularly especially after visiting the

bathroom and before eating, etc.

Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements, caused by bacteria infection, eating food that upset the digestive system among others. It can be prevented by; drinking safe water, use of improved sanitation, hand washing with soap and water, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, maintaining good personal hygiene, etc.

By Susan Cheku & Sylviah Naipanoi.