Efforts focuses on evaluating border screening operations, identifying gaps in preparedness and strengthening coordination among government institutions and humanitarian partners to reduce the risk of Ebola virus disease (EVD) spreading into the country
By Aguok Chok
Western Equatoria State caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa. [Photo: Courtesy]
Western Equatoria State authorities and health partners have assessed Ebola preparedness along the Democratic Republic of Congo border, urging communities to cooperate with health workers and follow preventive measures.
Western Equatoria State caretaker Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa has led government officials and health partners in assessing Ebola preparedness along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as authorities seek to prevent the deadly disease from entering South Sudan.
The assessment, conducted on Saturday, brought together representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Medical Corps (IMC), AMREF Health Africa and other health partners, alongside the Yambio County commissioner and state health officials.
The visit focused on evaluating border screening operations, identifying gaps in preparedness and strengthening coordination among government institutions and humanitarian partners to reduce the risk of Ebola virus disease (EVD) spreading into the country.
During the visit, Governor Rimbasa inspected screening facilities and interacted with health workers and officials responsible for monitoring travellers entering South Sudan.
He stressed that screening was essential because of frequent cross-border movement between Western Equatoria State and the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We cannot allow people to enter South Sudan without screening,” Rimbasa said, calling for stronger surveillance and compliance with public health measures.
He said the state government was considering introducing additional screening and documentation procedures, including a clearance stamp to confirm that travellers had undergone screening.
The governor also called for stronger cooperation between authorities in Western Equatoria State and their counterparts in the DRC to improve information-sharing and strengthen efforts to prevent the spread of the disease across the border.
Rimbasa thanked UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), IMC, AMREF Health Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and other partners for supporting Ebola prevention and preparedness activities.
Western Equatoria State Minister of Health Nama Bukulu also urged residents to follow health guidance issued by authorities and humanitarian organisations.
She specifically appealed to Congolese communities living in Nabiapai to cooperate with health workers and observe preventive measures.
“Ebola has become a threat to Western Equatoria State. I am urging all residents, including Congolese communities living in Nabiapai, to follow the preventive measures and health messages being shared by our partners,” Bulu said.
She emphasised that community cooperation was necessary to protect residents and reduce the risk of transmission.
Meanwhile, Clement Gbatanawo, UNICEF representative in Western Equatoria State, pledged continued support for Ebola prevention and preparedness despite limited resources.
Gbatanawo said UNICEF would continue working with the state government, the Ministry of Health and implementing partners to strengthen community awareness and improve border preparedness.
He identified limited awareness of the Ebola threat among communities living close to the border on the Congolese side as one of the challenges facing prevention efforts.
He added that UNICEF would continue engaging donors to mobilise additional resources to support prevention activities.
The delegation urged communities on both sides of the border to work closely with health teams, follow public health guidance and support surveillance efforts.
The officials said coordinated action, effective screening and community awareness were important in reducing the risk of Ebola entering Western Equatoria State and spreading to other parts of South Sudan.
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“Ebola has become a threat to Western Equatoria State. I am urging all residents, including Congolese communities living in Nabiapai, to follow the preventive measures and health messages being shared by our partners,” Western Equatoria State Minister of Health Nama Bukulu, said.