MSF Urges Urgent Scale-Up of Water, Sanitation Programs Amid Rising Cholera Cases in Abyei, South Sudan

MSF Urges Urgent Scale-Up of Water, Sanitation Programs Amid Rising Cholera Cases in Abyei, South Sudan
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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for an urgent expansion of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs in Abyei Special Administrative Area following a sharp rise in cholera cases. The outbreak was officially declared on June 11, 2025, after a steady increase in suspected cases.

South Sudan has faced a widespread cholera outbreak since September 2024, affecting multiple states including Unity, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria. Abyei, located in the northwest, is one of the newest areas impacted. The region hosts over 50,000 displaced people living in overcrowded conditions, particularly in informal settlements like Amiet market, where access to safe drinking water and sanitation is severely limited. Many residents resort to open defecation due to a lack of latrines, heightening the risk of disease transmission.

MSF has been operating a 20-bed cholera treatment unit (CTU) at Ameth Bek Hospital since April 11, treating 333 suspected cholera cases from June 2 to 28. The last three weeks saw a surge with 80, 77, and 94 patients treated respectively.

With the rainy season beginning, MSF warns that flooding could worsen the crisis by hindering aid delivery and spreading waterborne diseases. MSF Project Coordinator Stéphanie Dongmo emphasized the need for immediate vaccination campaigns, water trucking, latrine construction, soap distribution, and drainage improvements to prevent further escalation and save lives in Abyei.