Rumbek Health Authority Offers SSP 400,000 Reward for Reporting Guinea Worm Cases
By Patricia John
Authorities in Rumbek North County of Lakes State have announced a cash reward of 400,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) for anyone who reports a confirmed case of Guinea worm in humans or animals, as the country intensifies efforts to eliminate the disease.
Speaking during a community event, the acting minister of health in Lakes State, Nelson Makoi Makur, said the reward applies to reports involving humans, domestic animals, or wildlife. “The initiative is part of a nationwide push to achieve complete eradication of Guinea worm,” he said.
The campaign is being implemented in collaboration with key partners, including The Carter Center, World Health Organization, the National Ministry of Health, and state health authorities.
Health officials highlighted that South Sudan has been battling Guinea worm disease since 1996, with significant progress made over the years. They expressed optimism that the country is nearing elimination, urging communities to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases promptly.
“Village volunteers are the backbone of the Guinea worm eradication program,”
he stated. “I call upon our people and the volunteers, those who volunteer to report the Guinea worm program. If you report the Guinea worm either from a human or from a domestic animal or from a wild animal, you will be rewarded with a sum of 400,000 South Sudanese pounds. The health of our people is the health of our environment and is the health of our animals. Please protect yourself.”
Residents were also encouraged to use water filtration tools, such as pipe filters, to prevent infection. Officials emphasized that protecting public health requires joint action across communities, animals, and the environment.
According to the Carter Center Country Representative, Dr. Suhair Bonga, joint commitment is needed across the country. “Eight counties in South Sudan remain endemic for Guinea worm, including three in Lakes State—Rumbek North, Awerial, and Yirol West. Only two confirmed human cases were reported last year, both successfully contained,” he stated.
The government and its partners say continued community participation and timely reporting will be key to declaring South Sudan free of Guinea worm disease.
