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By James Sokiri
The South Sudanese refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo who "go" to their homelands in search of food not given to them on the other side of the border are not just a sad humanitarian narrative. Their desperate movements also increase the risk that the much feared Ebola virus will be transported to the youngest country in the world.
"There is however no cause of alarm, no case of the disease having been reported in South Sudan. We are also ready to face any eventuality, "said Dr. James Wani, Director General of the Yei River Region Ministry of Health.
However, we must expect some anxiety with the often deadly virus that is wreaking havoc in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, located in the neighboring country. Although at some distance from the border, Ebola haemorrhagic fever has already been the subject of precautions, according to Congolese government sources, at least 400 deaths and another about 300 infections.
To ensure effective health checks for cross-border travelers, Dr. Wani's department is working tirelessly with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). to create 15 screening sites in the Greater Yei, including Kaya and Basi in Morobo, Jale in Kajo-Keji, Lasu in Otogo and Tore in Tore. Last week, eight of the facilities were operational.
The local Ministry of Health and Environment has formed an Ebola Task Force composed of a wide range of stakeholders, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, religious leaders, representatives of the security apparatus and other officials, immigration personnel, doctors, nurses and laboratories. technicians, statisticians and logisticians. They have all acquired the appropriate skills to manipulate and understand the mechanisms of testing, coping and responding to the Ebola virus.
120 other Ebola-trained health workers, half of whom are community leaders and other "social mobilizers", go door-to-door to raise public awareness about the disease, ways to prevent it, and ways to cope with the virus if it were to hit their city and villages.
"An awareness campaign using radio jingles is effective every day, and in Yei City, key messages about the Ebola virus are being broadcast in the city every Tuesday and Friday," said Dr James Wani, adding that Some 40 health workers had received detailed information. training on how to properly bury anyone who succumbs to the virus.
About 100 health workers who would directly care for Ebola patients in the event of an epidemic were vaccinated with the help of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Agency for Health. migration issues. For the vast majority unvaccinated, Dr. Wani offers words of comfort.
"Preventing Ebola is simple. You should wash your hands regularly with soap and clear water, avoid eating game meat and never touch or kiss a dead body whenever the cause of death has not been established.
The two UN agencies helped local authorities set up a site in Yei's main hospital where infected patients can remain isolated. An Ebola test device was also provided, but Dr. Wani said that an ambulance dedicated to the victims of the virus would be a welcome addition to the arsenal of preparatory measures.
James Mugo Muriithi, team leader at UNMISS's Yei base, is on hand to explain the role of the peacekeeping mission in the Ebola Task Force.
"We are facilitating access by providing the necessary protective force to allow medical personnel to enter areas inaccessible due to insecurity," said Mr. Muriithi, adding that these efforts helped to create new security forces. Ebola screening centers where they were needed most.
UNMISS also uses its Miraya radio station and workshops to sensitize the poorest people to the Ebola virus, in the hope that these efforts will keep the virus at bay.
Knowledge is essential to understanding and dispelling rumors and misinformation that may cause fear, but sudden, large cross-border movement of people is always a possible risk, says Muriithi. He mentions a recent trip to the city of Lasu after 7,000 returnees arrived in the area.
"Such uncontrolled mbad movements due to the porous nature of the border could pose a significant threat of infestation in South Sudan," he said.
The symptoms of Ebola hemorrhagic fever are many and close to each other. They range from weakness, fever, pain, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain to rash, red eyes, chest pain, sore throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing. and bleeding. Signs of infection usually appear eight to ten days after exposure to the virus, but may also appear after only two days, or only after three full weeks.
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