05/19/2026
As you know, there is an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I am urging the Government of South Sudan, especially the Ministry of Health and the Speaker of Parliament, to take immediate steps to prevent the disease from entering South Sudan.
The Government of South Sudan should strengthen monitoring and screening of people coming from neighboring East African countries like Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Kenya. All travelers must be screened and tested at border entry points before entering South Sudan.
The government should also monitor movement from Juba and other urban areas to rural counties and villages more closely. People traveling from high-risk areas should undergo health screening before returning to their communities to help reduce the risk of spreading Ebola to vulnerable populations.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “As of 16 May 2026, eight laboratory-confirmed cases, 246 suspected cases and 80 suspected deaths have been reported in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo across at least three health zones, including Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu. In addition, two laboratory confirmed cases (including one death) with no apparent link to each other have been reported in Kampala, Uganda, within 24 hours of each other, on 15 and 16 May 2026, among two individuals traveling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”
The South Sudan Ministry of Health and the National Assembly should quickly hold an emergency meeting on Ebola preparedness and response. The country must get ready with emergency health measures and response plans in case the outbreak reaches South Sudan. The government should also seek support from the WHO for testing equipment, medical supplies, laboratory support, and expert advice. South Sudan, being a young nation, still needs help from experienced international public health experts during epidemic emergencies.
I urge our Members of Parliament and national leaders to prepare early prevention and control measures before the disease reaches our counties and communities.
Thank you.
Tach Tiel Concerned South Sudanese citizen residing in Canada