Malaria remains the leading cause of illness in South Sudan and accounts for 50 per cent of deaths in the country, according to the WHO, with cases increasing during the rainy season. National Ministry of Health data show persistently high numbers, with 3.6 million cases reported in 2022, 3.8 million in 2023, and 3.8 million in 2024, reflecting a consistently high transmission throughout the year, peaking during the rainy season from July to November.
In Twic County, Warrap State, malaria continues to account for a significant proportion of consultations in health facilities and community-based services. Children under five remain the most vulnerable, experiencing higher rates of severe illness and hospital admission than older age groups.
To help protect children during the high-transmission season, in collaboration with the Twic County Health Department, MSF teams have completed the first round of a seven-day seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) campaign from 23–29 June 2026. This year, the program's expansion to three additional locations enabled a broader coverage reaching more children at risk of malaria.
During this first round, 24,498 children aged three –59 months across 12 locations were provided preventive malaria treatment in Twic County, including sites in Majook Noon, Abin Dau, Aweng, Gomgoi, Wunrok, Wunrieng, Panyok and others.
The campaign included nutritional screening, resulting in the screening of 23,215 children for malnutrition. More than 500 children with moderate and severe malnutrition were referred for further care to designated nutritional care centers.
With malaria transmission expected to peak in the rainy season, additional SMC rounds are planned in the coming months to provide continued protection for children throughout the malaria season.
By combining malaria prevention, nutrition screening, and community engagement, MSF and its partners are helping reduce severe illness, identify vulnerable children early, and improve access to essential healthcare across Twic County.
