Health authorities in the Khorfulus area of Jonglei's Pigi County say malaria and diarrhoeal diseases are on the rise amidst a shortage in drug supplies.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Saturday, Gabriel Monykuer, the county’s health director, said they lack life-saving drugs amidst rising malaria and diarrhea cases since the onset of floods in July.

“About 50 cases are received every day, with the majority of them being malaria. But we lack medicines to provide treatment for the sick,” Monykuer said.

He added, “There is only one health facility in Khorfulus. The facility is dilapidated following the 2013 war. So, we are calling on the government and health agencies to renovate the facility and equip it with life-saving drugs.”

For his part, James Biliu, the acting county commissioner, blamed the rising waterborne diseases on lack of access to clean drinking water in the county. He pointed out that they rely on untreated water from the Sobat River for domestic use.

The county official appealed for government intervention, saying lack of basic services is forcing returnees to flee to refugee camps.

The ongoing floods across the country have rendered many places inaccessible and cut off from essential services.