The deadly civil war that is erupting in South Sudan has already meted many victims. Although there are great efforts underway to quell the rebel wars by local and international authorities, the oil riches that South Sudan holds could keep the novel country in conflict for a long time.
The problem however, threatens to make many more victims if the conflict is not stopped.
People cut of by the conflict, or moving in filthy camps are carrying with them the potential for deadly outbreaks that could be far from the reach of NGOs or other health authorities.
More than 100,000 people are already on the move. As always, when people flee war zones, pockets of disease are created due to the dismal conditions that refugees find themselves in.
Overcrowding, non existent water and sanitation, and lack of space and food make ideal conditions for the spread of disease.
The World Health Organization is mobilizing ahead of possible outbreaks to try and minimize the risk in the newly created nations, but admits the logistics are daunting, due to the violent and fluid situation.
The problem is compounded by the lack of health workers, as even NGO volunteers have had to fled their homes. The Bor State Hospital has been shuttered, due to the violence and lack of health workers. Health services in Bor are therefore inacessible.
The most commonly reported disease are Malaria and Diarrea, both signs of pathogens that could easily spread.
Source : WHO/ 1.1.14
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