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South Sudan makes COVID-19 testing and vaccinations more widely available

South Sudan expands access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, bringing healthcare closer to communities

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In March of this year, a COVID-19 vaccination centre opened in Tonj North, Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan, making vaccines available to all residents.

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In recent months, communities in Tonj North villages, as well as health workers, have stepped up and demonstrated their value and resilience in the face of unprecedented COVID-19 virus challenges, according to Samuel Tong Deng, State Minister of Health.

"Community leaders and health workers must work together to build trust, address misinformation, and tailor messages and materials so that the community receives accurate COVID-19 information."

According to the Minister, community workers have provided critical services during the most difficult and demanding times.

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"Our community, particularly the elderly, can easily get vaccinated with access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines," he says.

The vaccination health centre is part of a national network that is overseen by a high-level taskforce charged with coordinating national, state, and local responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes administering tests, triaging patients, reducing hospital costs, addressing the demand for behavioural health services, and maintaining primary care for patients with chronic conditions.

According to Minister Tong Deng, 91 percent of the estimated 28,000 people served by the health centre (as of May 2022) come from low-income families, which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

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"Cases of COVID-19 have decreased since this centre opened," says Makur Madut, the taskforce's manager. "The community is overjoyed because health care is now available close to their villages."

Despite the challenges, Madut claims that the centre has effectively prepared health personnel and services to meet the needs of the public during the pandemic. Since the center's inception, medical staff have discharged thousands of COVID-19 patients and provided rehabilitation services closer to home.

He continues to urge residents in the surrounding area to visit the centre if they are experiencing any symptoms in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

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"Community leaders and health workers must work together to build trust, address misinformation, and tailor messages and materials so that the community receives accurate COVID-19 information."

Adut Chol, a representative for local women, agrees and encourages the health department and community leaders to collaborate in planning and implementing activities to open more COVID-19 vaccination centres in order to increase coverage and make vaccines more accessible.

Local community groups that know and serve residents, particularly the homebound, with community outreach services like "meals on wheels" are also critical. They assist people in scheduling vaccination appointments and making requests for at-home vaccinations on their behalf.

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