Local authorities in Pigi County of Jonglei State have decried the deteriorating health situation there as the county grapples with a surge in waterborne diseases amid essential drug shortages.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Thursday, Dr. Gabriel Monykuer, the county health director, said they have run out of life-saving drugs since the beginning of the year, prompting a spike in malaria and respiratory infection cases in the Khorfulus area.

“People are suffering from malaria, typhoid, pneumonia, and diarrhea. In February, we have 250 cases of diarrhea, 143 malaria cases, pneumonia is 300 cases, and for typhoid, we have 87 suspected cases. The problem is that we have a shortage of medicines,” Dr. Monykuer said.

The health official appealed for quick intervention from the government in Juba. 

“Now, for severe cases, they are just transferred to Malakal, the rest rely on herbal medicines. We appeal to our government to intervene," he pointed out.

James Biliu Kur, the acting county commissioner, said his people have suffered over the past months due to the floods without support. He also appealed to the government and aid agencies operating in the country to intervene.

Meanwhile, Simon Manyang Chuol, the Khorfulus Relief and Rehabilitation Commission coordinator, decried the worsening humanitarian situation and human displacement caused by the floods in parts of the county in the past two months.

“The health situation in Khorfulus is very bad. Currently, in the town, we have 126 displaced households and another 700 from surrounding villages like Konliet and Wunlem. They received no health support since they were displaced. In January, two aid agencies came for an assessment but they never returned,” Manyang said.