SOUTH SUDAN: No Ebola in South Sudan, but preparedness is paramount, says Bishop Hiiboro
President of Sudan and South Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference (SSSCBC) has confirmed that there are no cases of the deadly Ebola Virus in South Sudan. Speaking to AMECEA Online News via phone, Rt. Rev. Edwardo Hiiboro Kussala said that currently, the country is involved in preparedness and awareness creation campaigns for any eventualities.
“My Diocese of Tambura-Yambio borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where currently the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus is reported. The road leading to South Sudan from Congo DRC crosses right through my Diocese. Therefore, vulnerability of the people due to migration is high. For the sake of precaution and prevention, it was decided that some health workers be vaccinated so that any suspicious cases of the virus in the country can easily be arrested,” Bishop Hiiboro explained.
On 10th December 2018, it was reported that World Health Organization (WHO) vaccinated key health workers in South Sudan who are closer to the border with Congo against Ebola as the outbreak continues to be reported in Congo DRC. The Organization reported that the South Sudan Ministry of Health’s vaccination campaign will target healthcare and frontline workers in high-risk States of Juba, Yei, Yambio and Nimule.
Bishop Edwardo further explained that in remote villages that lie at the border between South Sudan and Congo DRC, cross border movement of people can be very unofficial in the sense that people can enter into South Sudan from Congo and vice versa through unofficial entry points that are not monitored and where no screening for the virus is taking place.
“For that reason there is need to be prepared for any eventualities with regards to the outbreak of the deadly virus and proper care must be taken to protect our citizens. However, as of now, no outbreak has been reported in South Sudan,” Bishop Hiiboro Stressed.
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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
