Western Equatoria State (WES) has stepped up surveillance along its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as authorities move to strengthen preparedness against the risk of Ebola entering South Sudan.
The measures follow an Ebola outbreak in neighboring DRC, prompting the state government and UNICEF to reinforce disease monitoring, community awareness and coordination among health authorities and humanitarian partners. Despite the heightened alert, officials say the border remains open.
The preparedness measures were discussed on Monday during a high-level meeting involving Western Equatoria, Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, UNICEF South Sudan Representative Noala Skinner, Health Minister Nama Bukulu, government officials and development partners.
Discussions covered cross-border surveillance, Ebola preparedness, continuity of essential services, child protection, water and sanitation, and coordination during potential health emergencies.
Nama Bukulu, WES’ Health Minister, stated that surveillance teams are closely monitoring border entry points, markets and other locations where people gather, while working with communities and health personnel to identify suspected cases early.
“In case of any outbreak, we are ready to detect, manage and contain cases,” Bukulu said.
She added that the movement of people across the border makes continued surveillance and stronger regional coordination essential.
Bukulu also called for increased cooperation with authorities in neighboring countries to improve information-sharing and the early detection of emerging health threats.
Rather than restricting cross-border movement, authorities are relying on surveillance, community engagement and preparedness to reduce the risk of disease transmission while allowing people and trade to continue.
Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s Representative, noted that her visit to Western Equatoria was part of ongoing efforts to support the state government in preparing for a possible Ebola threat.
Skinner said preparedness discussions also focused on maintaining essential services, including health, education, water and sanitation, while ensuring vulnerable children and communities continue receiving protection and support during any emergency.
She also highlighted child protection programmes, including assistance for children formerly associated with armed groups and armed forces, stressing the need to strengthen social services alongside emergency preparedness.
Governor Rimbasa lauded UNICEF and other partners for their continued support to the state in health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, and child protection.
“We are working hard to make sure that Ebola does not enter South Sudan. We will continue working with our partners and health authorities to strengthen surveillance along the border and protect our communities from the disease,” he stated.
The state government said continued cooperation between authorities, communities and humanitarian partners will be critical to maintaining vigilance and strengthening Western Equatoria’s capacity to respond to any suspected Ebola cases.
