The Abyei Special Administrative Area is currently facing a hepatitis E outbreak, hepatitis E is an infectious liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), primarily transmitted through contaminated water via the fecal-oral route. Since July, nearly 35 cases have been reported in the area, resulting in four deaths, including three pregnant women.
Hepatitis E has been consistently reported in South Sudan, with recurring outbreaks mainly occurring in internally displaced persons (IDP) and refugee camps where there is inadequate water supply, limited access to clean drinking water, poor sanitation, inadequate personal hygiene, and restricted health services, particularly in humanitarian emergency areas. The frequency of outbreaks clearly indicates low vaccination coverage throughout the country.
Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) is supporting the only secondary healthcare hospital in Abyei. As of August 20th, MSF has treated 35 patients at Ameth Bek Hospital and has ramped up health promotion activities, particularly targeting pregnant women and new mothers, to raise awareness about how to protect themselves from the disease and prevent its further spread.