As temperatures soar to unprecedented levels across South Sudan, the Ministry of Health issued a press statement highlighting the dire health risks posed by excessive heat waves. Extended periods of high temperatures not only strain the human body but also lead to prevalent health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and renal issues.

With most parts of South Sudan gripped by a relentless heat wave forecasted to last at least two weeks, the Ministry of Health activated its disease surveillance system to detect and respond to cases related to excessive heat. Unfortunately, cases of heat-related deaths have already been reported, stressing the urgency of the situation.

To safeguard public health, the Ministry advised citizens to adhere to preventive measures outlined in its advisory, including keeping homes cool, staying hydrated, and aiding those in need.

Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of children and individuals with underlying health conditions, the government decided to temporarily close all schools starting from Monday, March 18, 2024, with severe consequences promised to any school found violating the closure directive, including the withdrawal of registration.

Minister Yolanda Awel Deng of the Ministry of Health and Acting Minister Martin Tako Moyi of the Ministry of General Education & Instruction signed off on these measures, showing the collaborative effort to mitigate the impact of severe weather on the health and well-being of the South Sudanese population.

As the nation grapples with the health implications of extreme weather, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and providing updates to the public.

Climate change impacts like this continue grappling the continent disrupting livelihoods and causing casualties in some instances. Research attributes these unprecedented eventualities to the continued anthropogenic actions that have a great impact on continued emissions which deteriorate the situation even further.