23 June 2015 - A second round of cholera vaccinations was launched at the UNMISS protection site today in Bentiu, Unity State.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization are administering the vaccines to all people at the site.

“This cholera vaccine is provided as a preventative measure to the people living at the UN protection site because they are at the risk due to overcrowding in the camp,” said IOM Cholera Vaccination Supervisor Gattiek Tap Teny. “We call on the people to come for the vaccination as prevention is better than cure.”

Makuei William, who received a vaccine at the Bentiu Vaccination Centre, said it would protect them from getting cholera. “Last year, I and my family were vaccinated and we were protected fully by this vaccine. The vaccine is very important for us in the POC.”

During the first round of cholera vaccinations in Bentiu a week ago, over 60,000 people received vaccines.

The UN site in Bentiu currently accommodates up to 70,000 people.

No case of cholera has been reported so far in Unity State.