The workshop was to jointly assess the progress made, identify possible changes needed for the operation and build strategies to improve the operation’s outcomes in collaboration with the authorities. It was also aimed at assessing operational performance and possible impact on the targeted communities and provides recommendations for future planning and operations.
On 28 October 2024, the Government of South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in Renk, marking the start of spread to most counties throughout the country. As of 4 August 2025, 85,794 cases and 1489 deaths have been recorded.
Since the outbreak, the SSRC deployed over 8000 volunteers across the country to engage with communities and carry out awareness on prevention of the disease. So far 597,076 people have been reached with cholera prevention messages, 450,000 Oral Rehydration Salt distributed, and 36 oral rehydration points (ORP) established at community level.
The ORPs are points where oral rehydration salt is prepared and given to people showing symptoms of cholera before they are transferred to cholera treatment center. Early access to rehydration, especially in areas far from health facilities, is key to saving lives in a cholera outbreak.
Speaking during the opening of the workshop, the Secretary General of the South Sudan Red Cross, John Lobor said floods, conflicts and inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited access to safe and sanitation pose immense challenges during the response. “Despite these huddles, our collective efforts have led to more than 82,000 full recoveries – a testament to our resilience and coordinated response,” John said.
Dr. Kedende Chuol, the Director General for Preventive Health Services in the Ministry of Health said saving more than 82,000 people would not have happened without the support of the partners including the red Cross. “The 82,000 people saved due to risk communication and community engagement,” he added.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) deployed a Community Case Management – an Emergency Response Unit (ERU) team to support the SSRC. The IFRC’s Head of Cluster for South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania, Mohamed Babiker appreciated the member national societies that supported the response including with personnel.
Florence Gilette, the Head of Delegation for the ICRC, warned that there is a lot ahead and partners need to work together to complement each other. “Coordination will remain important and build on our strengths as partners to deal with other emergencies,” she said. “One unique challenge is how to reach the most needy in remote areas,” Florence added.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening preparedness, enhancing community-based approaches, and fostering deeper collaboration among humanitarian actors and government institutions.
