Five children reportedly died of anemia in Aweil West
County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, this week.
According to officials, the disease claimed the lives of
Adhel Ariel Garang, 3; Abuk Kuol Deng, 1; Kuot Kuot Akot, 1; and Akon Anei Akok,
8 months and Akuol Gar Makuach 7 months at the Nyamlel Hospital.
The deputy county hospital director stated that the children
were brought to the hospital when their conditions had already worsened.
Lual Khamis Lual attributed the delayed arrival of the
children to the poor road conditions caused by flooding, which ultimately
contributed to their deaths.
“I urge the public to seek immediate medical attention for
anyone experiencing illness, particularly vulnerable individuals like children
and women,” he told Akol Yam FM on Friday.
Residents interviewed by Akol Yam FM shared how the floods
have impacted their lives, making it difficult to access healthcare facilities.
They called upon relevant authorities to establish mobile
clinics in areas without permanent health facilities.
Anemia
or anaemia is a blood disorder in which the blood has a reduced ability to
carry oxygen. This can be due to a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells,
a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin available for oxygen transport, or
abnormalities in hemoglobin that impair its function.