UN and WHO Enhance Ebola Screening at South Sudan Border

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), is implementing enhanced border screening and health preparedness measures in response to the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which is nearing the South Sudan border. Health workers are actively screening travelers at the main border crossing, particularly those arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Brian Assimwe, a WHO epidemiologist, emphasized the high-risk nature of the border area due to frequent cross-border movement and limited disease surveillance. Community sensitization efforts are being conducted to educate residents about Ebola risks and prevention methods.

Medical supplies are being provided by the UN and humanitarian partners, while health personnel receive training to identify suspected cases and safely isolate patients. Security assessments are also being conducted by UNMISS peacekeepers to ensure the safety of health workers.

Effective border screening and community awareness are deemed critical in preventing the virus from spreading into South Sudan, which could have significant regional implications.