Residents of Amuru District are living in fear following a cholera outbreak that has reportedly claimed up to 11 lives out of 143 suspected cases, according to local sources.
However, multiple media outlets have confirmed four deaths, with more than 90 patients treated and discharged at Bibia Health Centre III by the end of July 2025.
District surveillance data as of July 27 indicated 228 suspected cases, with 27 laboratory-confirmed infections. The outbreak has been aggravated by a severe shortage of medical personnel, inadequate drug supplies, and stalled construction of critical health infrastructure in Elegu Town Counci, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Raising the issue during Prime Minister’s Question Time on July 31, Kilak North MP Anthony Akol revealed that the outbreak began on July 2 in Elegu, yet government response has been sluggish.
“I visited Elegu on July 29. The medical team is overwhelmed, there’s no functioning health facility, and construction of the Health Centre III, which started in 2020, is still incomplete,” Akol said.
He urged the Ministry of Health to expedite water testing and complete the stalled health project.
“We need to know if the piped water is contaminated and why a health facility has taken five years without completion,” he added.
In response, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed the outbreak and said a ministry team had been dispatched to contain the spread. She emphasized that cholera is a sanitation-related disease that requires a coordinated, multisectoral response.
“The Ministry of Water and Environment is currently testing water sources in Elegu. We have sent medical supplies, but cholera is preventable through hygiene and clean water access,” she stated. While reassuring Parliament that the outbreak is under control, Dr. Aceng asked for time to investigate delays in the health centre’s construction.
She also urged local leaders to intensify hygiene education. “Cholera spreads through the oral–faecal route. Handwashing and sanitation are key. Community awareness is critical,” she stressed.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among echoed the call for public vigilance and government action.
“Residents must boil drinking water and maintain sanitation, but the government must act swiftly to save lives,” she said.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. It can lead to sudden diarrhea, vomiting, and severe dehydration.
The World Health Organization emphasizes that timely rehydration is critical. Residents showing symptoms are urged to seek immediate care at the nearest health facility.
