South Sudan is enhancing its Ebola monitoring and preparedness efforts along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), due to significant cross-border movement and concerns about people using unofficial routes that might evade health checks.
A prominent United Nations delegation visited Western Equatoria State to evaluate the country’s readiness and to boost cooperation with local authorities in public health, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding.
At the Nabiapai border crossing, health workers are screening between 800 and 1,000 individuals during peak periods, with hundreds crossing each day. Nonetheless, officials highlighted that many informal routes present a significant challenge.
Although no Ebola cases have been reported in South Sudan, authorities in Western Equatoria emphasize the need to reinforce preventive measures to prevent the virus’s entry into the country.
State Health Minister Nama Bukulu has called for heightened surveillance at border checkpoints, including nighttime inspections for travelers who arrive outside of regular hours.
The UN acknowledged improvements in preparedness but emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination among national and state governments, UN agencies, and health partners.
These measures are crucial in Western Equatoria, where frequent cross-border movement and unofficial crossing points complicate disease surveillance efforts.
