The health director in the flood-hit Alali area of Akobo County in South Sudan’s Jonglei State has reported an increase in malaria and snakebite cases in the area, amidst a lack of medical supplies.

Peter Ochalla Oman told Radio Tamazuj that they receive tens of malaria patients daily who now depend on herbal medication or travel out of the state for medication.

“Every day, we receive about 80 malaria patients. We cannot help them because we run out of our medical consignment. Locals depend on herbal medicines, but those with serious cases are taken to Ethiopia,” he said.

Ochalla appealed to the government and aid agencies in the country to provide treatment for the malaria cases and at least 13 snakebite victims who have not received any medical attention.

He further urged the locals to take extra precautionary measures as floodwaters increase, warning of a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases in the area.  

Alali’s deputy Executive Director Cham Cham Okony, confirmed the increase in snakebite cases.

“Those 13 people were bitten by snakes in August. Floodwaters' level has been increasing since July. This made snakes leave bushes and stay with people,” he said. 

He called for urgent medical aid for the people of Alali but most especially for the snakebite victims.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), snakebite envenoming is responsible for thousands of deaths among rural populations globally every year.