Residents of Twic East County, Jonglei State, have raised
concerns about the improper disposal of dead bodies since the cholera outbreak,
a public health threat confirmed by the authorities.
Speaking to Mingkaman FM on Thursday, the residents
emphasized the risks associated with unburied bodies, noting that several have
been thrown into the river.
"Many dead bodies have been found in the water in
various places, which causes us great concern. We are drinking directly from
that water and are worried about the spread of diseases. The people responsible
for this are those who live very far from health facilities, especially IDPs,”
said Bol Malual.
This concern follows a cholera outbreak that has claimed
several lives in the area. The community suspects that some internally
displaced persons, unable to transport bodies after losing loved ones on long
journeys to healthcare, are disposing of them in rivers or the bush.
"We are worried about the dead bodies being thrown into
the water. Some people travel with their patients, and when the patient passes
away before reaching the hospital, they simply throw the body into the water,”
said Abraham Akoi, another resident of Twic East.
The residents recount several recent incidents where bodies
have been thrown into the water and the bushes, but did not provide the exact
number of cases.
However, Twic East County Commissioner Juach Arok Juach
acknowledged receiving reports of this practice and assured residents that his
office is conducting awareness campaigns on WASH, sanitation, and the
importance of proper burial practices.
"Yes, there are those who travel long distances of
about 9 hours, and they are the main suspects in this act. Many dead bodies
have been found in different places in the water, but people could not
recognize them because some of the remains are almost completely
decomposed," Juach confirmed, saying that the government is working to
address the concern.
“I don’t recommend such an act. I call upon those people who
live in distant places like Majok and Panyagor, if you lose a relative on the
way, please contact the government for assistance with the burial process if
you are unable to return the body to your place of origin.”
According to the commissioner, the cholera outbreak has claimed 13 lives in his county since it began, with an unspecified number of individuals dying before reaching health facilities. Currently, 79 patients are undergoing treatment at Panyagor Health Centre.