South Sudan hospital sees influx of kala azar, malaria patients

VOA News examines an influx of patients suffering from kala azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, and malaria in a South Sudan hospital, writing, "The pediatric ward at the main hospital in Bentiu is overcrowded and under-staffed as an unusually high number of children suffering from kala azar and malaria have been brought in for treatment." According to the news service, "around 100 people were treated at Bentiu Hospital for visceral leishmaniasis" last year, and "[s]o far this year, 50 children with kala azar have been admitted to the hospital in Bentiu." The news service notes, "Malaria and visceral leishmaniasis usually hit during the rainy season, which is due to start in May" (Taban, 3/13).