Keeping her children safe during a cholera outbreak in South Sudan

Cholera outbreaks remain a serious threat in the country, especially in areas where access to clean water and sanitation is limited. South Sudan’s most recent outbreak was declared by the Ministry of Health on 28 October 2024. As of October 2025, there were over 95,000 cases and 1587 deaths.

At the height of the outbreak, with support from Irish Aid, Trócaire, working with its local partner Agency for Child Relief Aid (ACRA), provided families in Malakal with practical supplies to prevent the spread of cholera, including a handwashing kit, soap, a water filter cloth and water treatment liquid.

The family of Mary Isaac Chol, like many in her community, relied on water from unsafe sources. Mary set up a handwashing station outside her home and showed her children when and how to wash their hands. She filtered and treated the water they collected before storing it safely for drinking and cooking.

Simple but life-saving supplies

The simple but life-saving supplies she received made all the difference for her family. Thanks to this support, Mary’s home soon became an example in her neighbourhood.

Neighbours came to ask how she was protecting her family, and she shared what she had learned. As more households began practising safe hygiene, the risk of cholera in the area began to decrease.

With timely support from Irish Aid’s ICSP programme, families like Mary’s were able to take practical steps to protect themselves. By using the tools and knowledge provided, they safeguarded their children’s health and strengthened their community’s ability to prevent disease.