Juba Laboratory Clears Seven Suspected Ebola Samples

(JUBA) – South Sudan has no confirmed case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, the Ministry of Health said on Saturday, as it urged countries that have imposed travel restrictions to lift them immediately.

The announcement came during a press conference held by the Ministry and the World Health Organization in Juba to update the public on Ebola preparedness. The Ministry stated that seven suspected samples have been tested at the national laboratory. All returned negative results.

“The Ministry wishes to reassure the public that South Sudan has not recorded any confirmed cases of Ebola virus. To date, the national laboratory has tested seven suspected samples, and all have tested negative for the virus,” said Dr Oromo Francis, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health.

He added that preparedness activities remain ongoing.

WHO Representative in South Sudan, Dr Humphrey Karamagi, said the absence of any positive case to date is encouraging.

He noted that alerts continue to come in, which he described as a positive sign that the surveillance system is working:

“We are able to pick up suspected cases and investigate them.” 

He added that travel restrictions are not usually recommended under the International Health Regulations:

“What we emphasized is improving capacities to detect and respond to events in the country.” 

In a related development, the National Minister of Health, Luke Thompson Thoan, met the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, to discuss wider health sector collaboration.

The talks covered the Health Sector Transformation Project, national Ebola preparedness and support to the National Public Health Institute. Minister Thoan spoke of the long partnership between South Sudan and the United Nations, noting that it stretches back to the struggle for independence.

He stressed the need to continue this partnership while respecting South Sudan’s sovereignty and promoting constructive and diplomatic engagement. The Minister was joined by the Undersecretary, advisors and directors general from the Ministry.

Mr Balakrishnan confirmed the United Nations’ continued commitment to supporting the people and Government of South Sudan. He said this support is focused on strengthening the health sector and advancing humanitarian assistance. The UN delegation included representatives from WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, OCHA and IOM.

Both parties described the meeting as a renewal of their shared commitment to improving health outcomes, strengthening disease preparedness and building a resilient health system for all citizens.