Addis Ababa – As the cholera incident continues to rise in Ethiopia’s Gambella region and claims more lives, the government has launched a weekly vaccination campaign targeting one million people. Health officials say the campaign, which began over the weekend, will reach all zones in the area, including refugee shelters that house people displaced by ongoing violence in South Sudan.
At the official launch, Health Minister Mekdes Daba highlighted continued efforts to strengthen the health system’s capacity to respond promptly to outbreaks and emergencies. “A comprehensive national strategy is being implemented to prevent and control both infectious and non-communicable diseases,” she said.
Dr. Messai Hail, director of the Ethiopian Institute of Public Health, highlighted the impact of “effective prevention and surveillance measures,” including the outbreak of cholera in affected areas. “With the start of the rainy season, coordinated prevention, surveillance and response efforts are being strengthened in collaboration with local governments, local partners and stakeholders to reduce the risk of waterborne disease,” he added.
The one-week vaccination campaign has seen new infections and deaths rise in recent weeks as cholera cases surge in gambera.
According to the United Nations (UN), the outbreak of cholera has had a major impact on the region. As of March 8, 2025, 1,320 cases and 29 deaths have been reported since early February, with a case fatality rate of 2.2%. Since it was initially identified in four districts in the Nuer zone, the outbreak has since spread, with Wantawo and Akobo being the most affected areas. Cholera cases have also been identified in four refugee camps.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
The worsening health situation has been exacerbated by escalating political tensions in South Sudan, driving thousands of displaced people and needing medical care, driving the border to Ethiopia.
In a statement issued on March 31, 2025, the Borderless Doctor warned that San Frière (MSF) had spurred the outbreak of humanitarian crises, violence, displacement and cholera that were rapidly unfolding on both sides of the South Sudan-Ethiopian border.
“The situation is rapidly worsening as thousands of violence in South Sudan crosses borders and seeks security,” MSF said. “At Wangsoa Warda, a new camp in Burbeye, Ethiopia, more than 6,500 new arrivals have been reported after many local managers, children, children and seniors have spent their travel days.”
Previously, the United Nations reported that cholera in the Gambella region is spreading from nearby South Sudan. South Sudan has recorded more than 36,180 cases and 600 deaths since its October 2024.
The crisis comes as both Ethiopia and South Sudan are experiencing significant cuts in donor funding, including recent cuts from the US Organization for International Development (USAID).
“Although organizations are not accepting funding from the US government, reductions in humanitarian and health assistance will significantly reduce the ability of other humanitarian agencies to respond to such a crisis,” MSF warned.
