On September 25, 2025, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), partnered with displaced persons at the Protection of Civilians (POC) camp in Malakal to tackle malaria, a persistent and deadly threat in South Sudan.
With an estimated 6,680 malaria deaths in 2022, the disease remains a leading cause of mortality, claiming approximately 18 lives daily and contributing to 30% of hospital admissions, particularly among children under five.
In a hands-on effort, RDF peacekeepers and camp residents cleared bushes around the Malakal POC site to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, a critical step in reducing malaria transmission in a region where 95% of the population faces year-round risk.
The initiative also included community engagement activities focused on malaria prevention and awareness, such as distributing insecticide-treated nets and promoting early treatment.
These efforts align with South Sudan’s ongoing rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine, which began in 2024 with over 645,000 doses administered to curb the disease’s impact.
“Malaria poses a severe threat to lives here, and through this partnership, we are taking concrete steps to protect and empower the community,” the RDF declared, emphasizing their dual role in peacekeeping and public health.
This collaboration underscores Rwanda’s commitment to supporting South Sudan, where conflict, flooding, and limited healthcare access exacerbate malaria’s toll, with 2.8 million cases reported in 2022.
Amid challenges like recent spikes in cases due to heavy rains, such as the 41 deaths in Greater Pibor in early 2024, the RDF’s work in Malakal offers hope for reducing the burden of this preventable disease.
