As southern Sudan emerges from decades of civil war, the country is now experiencing a deluge of forgotten diseases that were believed to have been under control. who blames it on the country's health system, which has broken down during the war. The diseases that are resurfacing now include leprosy, elephantiasis, kala azar, river blindness, cholera, sleeping sickness, guinea worm and Buruli ulcer. The largest cases of neglected diseases are being discovered in previously isolated communities. The increased movement of non-immune people to an endemic area for a certain disease also increases the risk of further transmission. But in the absence of a proper health system, resources and access to remote populations, the country is not ready to tackle this new threat in the postwar period.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.