UNICEF to launch sensitization campaign to curb cholera

At least 32 people in Sudan have been killed by cholera, the United Nations has said.

The body said a fifth of the deceased were children under five, adding that schools have a major role to play in stemming the spread of the disease.

UNICEF also revealed that 700 cholera cases have been reported in the last 5 weeks both in the capital Juba and Bor, the capital of Jonglei state.

In a statement, Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF representative in South Sudan said "one of the most powerful ways we can respond to this outbreak is by equipping schoolchildren with the information and tools they need to protect themselves and their families.”

UN humanitarian agency OCHA also said as many as 5,000 children under five are at risk of dying from cholera unless urgent action is taken to contain the outbreak.

Thus, children are being encouraged to raise awareness about the disease among their families and communities.

UNICEF is also conducting a massive media campaign on cholera, in addition to conducting vaccination campaigns and training volunteers, teachers and religious leaders about prevention and early detection of the disease.

Cholera is an intestinal infection often linked to contaminated drinking water, and it causes diarrhea and vomiting, leaving small children especially vulnerable to death from dehydration.