Ebola Awareness, Preparedness and Border Surveillance Key in Yei County

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Senior officials from South Sudan’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) have visited Yei River County to assess Ebola preparedness measures and surveillance systems at key border entry points amid ongoing regional concerns over the disease.

The delegation, led by Dr Ader Macar Aciek, Acting Executive Director of the National Public Health Institute, evaluated surveillance activities and preparedness centres established across the county as part of national efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to detect, investigate and respond to potential Ebola cases. Dr Aciek commended County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo and the County Health Department for their commitment and close collaboration with the Ebola preparedness team.

Speaking during the visit, Simon Musoga, Director of the Yei River County Health Department, welcomed the delegation, saying the assessment reflects the strong partnership between national health authorities, international agencies and local institutions in safeguarding public health.

He stressed the need for continued vigilance in monitoring travelers entering South Sudan through both official border crossings and porous entry points, particularly given the ongoing Ebola situation in neighboring areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Commissioner Malimbo praised the Ministry of Health, WHO and humanitarian partners for their support in strengthening Ebola preparedness in Yei through community awareness campaigns, disease surveillance and preventive interventions. He underscored the importance of sustained coordination among county authorities, health partners and communities to ensure effective preparedness and protect residents and travellers alike.

The visit forms part of broader national efforts to ensure that health authorities in Yei River County remain ready to quickly identify, investigate and respond to any suspected Ebola case while maintaining public confidence through timely and accurate public health information.