South Sudan is stepping up Ebola surveillance and preparedness along its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amid heavy cross-border movement and concerns that people using unofficial routes could bypass health screening.
A high-level United Nations delegation visited Western Equatoria State to assess the country’s preparedness and strengthen cooperation with local authorities on public health, humanitarian assistance and peacebuilding.
At the Nabiapai border crossing, health workers said 800 to 1,000 people are screened during busy periods, with hundreds crossing daily. However, officials said numerous informal routes remain a major challenge.
“No Ebola cases have been confirmed in South Sudan,” but Western Equatoria authorities say preventive measures must be strengthened to ensure the virus does not enter the country.
State Health Minister Nama Bukulu called for increased surveillance at border checkpoints, including night-time screening for travellers arriving outside regular operating hours.
The UN said preparedness has improved but stressed the need for continued coordination between national and state governments, UN agencies and health partners.
The measures are particularly important in Western Equatoria, where frequent cross-border movement and unofficial crossing points make disease surveillance difficult.
