By James Innocent
Health authorities and humanitarian partners in Yei River County have renewed their commitment to strengthening preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The efforts are ongoing amid concerns over outbreaks in neighbouring countries.
The commitment was reaffirmed during an Ebola Preparedness Pillar Meeting convened by the County Health Department in Yei on Thursday.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Surveillance, Risk Communication, and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Infection Prevention and Control and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (IPC/WASH) pillars, alongside local authorities and humanitarian partners.
Presenting the latest surveillance updates, County Surveillance Officer Bidal Martin reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo had recorded 1,307 confirmed Ebola cases, 377 deaths, and 227 recoveries, according to figures shared during the meeting.
Uganda, which also borders South Sudan, had meanwhile registered 20 confirmed cases, two deaths, and 15 recoveries, while three patients remained under treatment in health facilities, he added.
The meeting highlighted concerns over the potential cross-border transmission of the disease due to the movement of people and trade activities between neighbouring countries and South Sudan.
Speaking during the discussions, Musoga Robert said weekly coordination meetings involving health partners and county authorities would continue in order to strengthen preparedness efforts and improve information sharing among stakeholders.
He further appealed for additional financial support to facilitate the broadcasting of Ebola awareness radio jingles aimed at improving public understanding of prevention measures, promoting early reporting of suspected cases, and enhancing community vigilance.
Meanwhile, Towongo Ronald, hospital administrator at Yei Civil Hospital, said the facility had commenced training for local healthcare workers on Ebola preparedness and case management with support from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
He also called for the deployment of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) materials pledged by Malteser International to major screening points across the county to reinforce infection prevention and control measures.
Health officials concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to maintaining regular coordination, strengthening surveillance systems, and improving community awareness as part of broader efforts to safeguard Yei River County and South Sudan from the threat of Ebola.
The meeting forms part of ongoing preparedness activities aimed at improving early detection, rapid response capacity, and public awareness in the event of a confirmed Ebola outbreak in the region.