South Sudan Ebola preparedness capacity improves to 65 percent

• South Sudan's preparedness capacity against Ebola Virus Disease has improved to 65 percent in July.
• The country has intensified screening at key points of entry and strengthened surveillance in 15 counties bordering Uganda and the DRC.
• There have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in South Sudan, but the risk of importation remains high due_to continued transmission in the DRC.
• Lawyers advising clients on cross-border trade with the DRC should be aware of the increased risk of Ebola importation into South Sudan.

The increased preparedness is necessary because continued Ebola transmission in the DRC and cross-border movement posed a risk of the virus being imported into South Sudan.

In a significant development, South Sudan has raised its preparedness capacity against the Ebola Virus Disease to 65 percent in July. This improvement comes after a series of measures were taken by the government and health authorities to prevent possible importation of the virus from neighboring countries. According to WHO's Officer In Charge at WHO Country Office in South Sudan, Moses Ongom, the country has progressively improved its readiness since an Ebola outbreak was reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The increased preparedness is necessary due to continued Ebola transmission in the DRC and cross-border movement, which poses a risk of the virus being imported into South Sudan. Despite no confirmed cases of Ebola in the country, the government has intensified screening at key points of entry and strengthened surveillance in 15 counties bordering Uganda and the DRC.

The improvement in South Sudan's preparedness capacity against Ebola is a significant development for cross-border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lawyers advising clients on trade with the DRC should be aware of the increased risk of Ebola importation into South Sudan and advise their clients to comply with enhanced screening measures at key points of entry. The government has intensified screening at Nimule, Kaya, Yei River, and Juba, while surveillance has been strengthened in 15 counties bordering Uganda and the DRC. This is a critical measure to prevent possible importation of the virus from neighboring countries.

The improvement in South Sudan's preparedness capacity against Ebola is crucial for preventing possible importation of the virus from neighboring countries. The continued Ebola transmission in the DRC and cross-border movement pose a significant risk to the country. However, with enhanced screening measures and strengthened surveillance, South Sudan has taken a critical step towards reducing this risk. As the regional health concern continues, it is essential that communities remain vigilant but avoid panic. Preparedness efforts include enhanced surveillance, laboratory readiness, rapid response teams, infection prevention measures, public awareness campaigns, and coordination with health partners.

Lawyers advising clients on cross-border trade with the DRC should be aware of the increased risk of Ebola importation into South Sudan and advise their clients to comply with enhanced screening measures at key points of entry.

Source: Original reporting via World Health Organization (WHO)