By James Innocent
Senior officials from South Sudan’s national Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have visited Yei River County to assess Ebola preparedness, surveillance, and prevention measures in the county.
The delegation’s visit follows an earlier security assessment conducted ahead of field visits to Ebola preparedness and surveillance centres, including key entry points in Yei River County.
Dr Ader Macar Aciek, Acting Executive Director of the National Public Health Institute, commended the county authorities and health department for working closely with the Ebola preparedness team.
Dr Aciek said the main objective of the visit was to assess surveillance activities and preparedness centres across Yei River County and to review measures in place to detect and respond to any suspected Ebola case.
The delegation was accompanied by officials from the national Ministry of Health and representatives of the World Health Organisation.
Simon Musoga, an official involved in the preparedness activities, said no case of Ebola had been registered in Yei River County, adding that government authorities and health partners were continuing surveillance and preparedness measures to protect communities and people travelling between different areas.
Health authorities have emphasised the importance of strengthened surveillance at entry points, public awareness, and coordination among government institutions, health workers, and communities, particularly in areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has continued to report Ebola cases, making cross-border surveillance and preparedness an important part of South Sudan’s public-health response.
Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo welcomed the national government and WHO delegation to Yei and assured the visiting officials that the security situation in the county remained calm.
He also commended the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Health, and other partners for supporting Ebola awareness and preparedness activities in Yei River County.
Malimbo said continued cooperation between the county government, health authorities, partners, and communities was essential to maintaining effective preparedness and safeguarding residents and travellers.