South Sudan Government Mandates School Closures Due to Deadly Heatwave
The closure of schools aims to prioritize the health and well-being of students during these extreme weather conditions. Both state and national authorities are directed to enforce these measures effectively.
In a bid to protect citizens from the scorching temperatures, the government of the Republic of South Sudan has taken decisive action. To close all schools due to deadly heatwaves.
Effective from Monday, March 18, 2024, all schools across the nation have been closed until further notice. This move comes as a response to the alarming rise in temperatures, which has resulted in tragic fatalities attributed to extreme heat.
Olanda Awel Deng, the Minister of Health, stressed the serious effects of extreme heat on people's health.
With temperatures reaching 41°C-45°C, the situation poses significant risks to public health, often triggering public health emergencies and resulting in excess mortality.
"Heatwaves can acutely impact large populations, often triggering public health emergencies and resulting in excess mortality," said Deng.
Deng stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the heatwave's impact and urged parents to ensure their children stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.
The Ministry has already reported cases of deaths related to excessive heat, underscoring the urgent nature of the situation. Deng emphasized the need for raising awareness about the health risks posed by heatwaves and implementing practical interventions at various levels to save lives.
Parents are advised to closely monitor their children, especially young ones, for signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
The closure of schools aims to prioritize the health and well-being of students during these extreme weather conditions. Both state and national authorities are directed to enforce these measures effectively.
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