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Juba, 6 September 2018 – Following the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in North Kivu province on 1 August 2018 and the threat of cross-border spread, Sudan South has intensified its preparedness and response activities.
In order to strengthen preparedness and response activities, the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other partners, conducted a series of activities. strategic and multisectoral. These include the activation of a multisectoral Ebola task force at all levels, advocacy with key leaders at the national level; donors; humanitarian partners; state and county management and other stakeholders.
South Sudan is one of four high-risk countries (Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan and Uganda), of which WHO has priority to improve preparedness and preparedness based on the proximity of the country. the epidemic zone and the ability to manage epidemics.
As part of the advocacy needed to engage policymakers and mobilize sufficient resources to support Ebola preparedness and response, a high-level mission comprised of the Ministry of Health, WHO and key stakeholders , including the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism. From August 31 to September 6, 2018, the medical department of the medical department visited the high-risk states of Yei River, Torit, Maridi, Gbudue and Tambura.
Two entry points, Nimule State in Torit and Gangura in Gbudue State, were also visited to assess readiness and support Ebola screening at the port of entry. The purpose of these visits was to assess and support local preparedness efforts, to understand the challenges ahead and to exchange views on streamlining stakeholder collaboration for optimal preparedness and response to the disease. .
"To manage the risk posed by the complex humanitarian context in South Sudan, the history of previous epidemics, the increase in global displacement and the proximity of the DRC, the implementation of effective public health measures is essential", said the Minister of Health.
Critical gaps such as the need to establish Ebola treatment centers with optimal infection prevention and control (IPC), specialized ambulance services and adequate personal protective equipment were identified during the mission high level. The team also identified the need for specialized training in the management of EVD cases, safe and dignified burials and contact tracing.
"Although South Sudan has not confirmed any cases of Ebola, the disease remains a national and regional threat," said Mr. Evans Liyosi, WHO's representative for Sudan. South.
Statistics of the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC show that 6 out of 10 cases are dead. Therefore, given the virulence of the virus, current modes of transmission, and weak health systems in the DRC and South Sudan, it is essential to build national capacity for effective preparedness and response, especially at the points of departure. Designated entrance.
As a priority country for Ebola preparedness, South Sudan has established a multisectoral Ebola Task Force and an Incident Officer has been appointed to coordinate preparedness and response activities. . Working Group meetings are held twice a week at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) to review and monitor the implementation of the Ebola Emergency Plan for South Sudan.
Liyosi also underscored WHO's commitment to strengthening key national capacities to effectively implement the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).
The deputy. Mr. Minister, Dr. Kok thanked WHO and other partners for the strong partnership and support provided to build capacity to address the threats of Ebola and other diseases. Infectious diseases.
The respective state governors and state health ministers reiterated their commitment to instituting key interventions and raising public awareness by providing adequate information through all channels of communication, religious and community leaders.
WHO is working in Jubek, Gbudue, Tambura, Maridi, Torit, Wau and Yei River States alongside their respective Ministries of Health and partners to provide strategic public health leadership and support. of all high-risk countries to implement effective, timely and effective measures for the mitigation, detection and response of EVD risks.
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