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May 10, 2026International Health0 citationsOpen Access

Neglected tropical diseases elimination activities in South Sudan’s largest refugee camp: lessons from 2 years of work

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JIJimmy IdrakuJAJohn Chol AjackSBSimran Budhwar

Key Points

  • This research aims to evaluate the elimination activities for neglected tropical diseases in South Sudan’s largest refugee camp.
  • Implemented mass drug administration campaigns targeting lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.
  • Established two Implementation Units for better coordination between host community and refugees.
  • Introduced morbidity management and disability prevention for the first time in a refugee setting.
  • Enhanced visibility of the refugee population improved tailored treatment delivery planning.
  • Strong coordination among stakeholders increased efficiency and reduced costs of drug administration campaigns.
  • First-time implementation of hydrocele management strategies highlighted the need for standardised surgical protocols.

Abstract

Maban County, home to South Sudan's largest refugee camps, faces complex health and humanitarian challenges and is co-endemic for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. The division into two Implementation Units, one for the host community and the other one for the refugee camps, as recommended by the WHO Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), has improved the visibility of the refugee population, ensuring tailored planning and equitable inclusion in all stages of treatment delivery. Conducting mass drug administration campaigns in refugee camps requires strong coordination among multiple stakeholders and tailored training for frequently changing personnel, but benefits from the camps' structured layout, which enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Morbidity management and disability prevention for lymphoedema and hydrocele were implemented for the first time in a refugee setting in South Sudan, highlighting the need for strong non-governmental organisation coordination and a national framework to standardise and reduce the cost of hydrocele surgery. Lessons from displacement-affected areas can guide inclusive strategies to ensure conflict-affected communities are not left behind in achieving WHO 2030 neglected tropical disease targets.

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Cite This Study

Idraku et al. (2025) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a0021b7c8f74e3340f9c926https://doi.org/10.1093/inthealth/ihaf156
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