The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with the South Sudanese government to prepare for a potential outbreak of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD). The effort comes as the risk of importation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has increased to 99%. A joint assessment by health authorities and partners identified 3,450 people who had crossed into South Sudan from the DRC in September, fueling concerns about the possible spread of the disease.
Communities in South Sudan, particularly in Nabanga, a town bordering the DRC, are anxious about the risk of BVD. Residents like Yoane Fermon express worry when they see people crossing from the DRC, citing reports of Ebola cases and deaths in the neighboring country. Community leaders, including Nabanga Chief Alex Samuel, stress the need for clear information on Ebola to alleviate fears and prevent discrimination against those arriving from the DRC.
Health authorities in South Sudan are responding through border screening and community engagement. With support from WHO, the Ministry of Health has intensified preparedness and readiness measures, including strengthened surveillance, enhanced screening at healthcare facilities, and expanded alert management systems. The country's readiness level stands at 72.5%, with varying levels of readiness in 11 different pillars.
South Sudan has recorded 76 BVD alerts as of October 30, 2026, all of which were investigated, with 33 testing negative using rt-PCR. The country has trained 150 health workers in Ebola case management in 15 priority counties and established temporary infectious disease units in 8 counties. A full-scale simulation exercise conducted in October demonstrated that South Sudan can detect BVD but needs to improve its ability to contain it safely.
WHO and its partners have reached nearly half a million people in Yambio with key health messages on recognizing symptoms, preventing infection, and seeking timely care. Chiefs and religious leaders have shared information through trusted networks, while local-language materials and radio discussions have helped people understand symptoms, prevention, and when to seek care.
Despite progress, gaps remain in hand-offs between pillars, infection prevention and control supplies, and safe referral. WHO Representative for South Sudan Officer-in-Charge Dr. Moses Ongom emphasized the need to close these gaps to enable health workers to act quickly if a case is suspected. The government and partners, including ECHO and FCDO, continue to support BVD preparedness efforts in high-risk areas.
Further investment is needed to address identified gaps, including sub-national alert management protocols, contact management, and proper sample packaging. Sustained screening and community engagement are crucial to preventing the spread of BVD. The Ministry of Health, National Public Health Institute, WHO, and other partners are working together to strengthen preparedness and response efforts in South Sudan.
Key points
- WHO supports South Sudan's preparedness efforts for Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease amid high risk of importation from DRC.
- South Sudan has recorded 76 BVD alerts as of October 30, 2026, with 33 testing negative using rt-PCR.
- Further investment is needed to address identified gaps in preparedness and response efforts.
