The authorities in Nimule Municipality, a town along the South Sudan-Uganda border in Eastern Equatoria State, have intensified Ebola preparedness measures following an outbreak of the disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and reported cases in neighboring Uganda.
Health officials, humanitarian partners, and security agencies are coordinating efforts to prevent the disease from entering South Sudan. An emergency response consultative meeting convened by Nimule Municipal Council on Thursday brought together health partners and frontline responders to assess readiness and strengthen surveillance at the country’s busiest border crossing.
Nimule Municipal Council Mayor Caesar Longa Fulli said they are working closely with health authorities and security agencies to ensure all travelers entering through Nimule are screened and monitored.
“Nimule is a critical entry point into South Sudan, and we must remain vigilant,” he stated. “We are coordinating with the Ministry of Health and our partners to ensure effective screening and preparedness measures. Residents and travelers should not be worried; the situation is under control.”
The mayor also commended the Eastern Equatoria State Government for its swift response, particularly the support provided by Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and technical teams from the state health ministry.
Health experts have identified early detection, rapid reporting, and community cooperation as key measures in preventing the spread of Ebola.
Dr. Abraham Adut, Team Leader for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Nimule, said UN agencies and partner organizations are supporting South Sudan’s preparedness efforts by strengthening laboratory capacity and improving surveillance systems.
“We want to strengthen the laboratory component through training and technical support,” he explained. “Healthcare workers must be equipped to collect, handle, and refer samples correctly, while laboratories must have the capacity to test and respond quickly.”
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has increased its support at border entry points. Dr. Abelit Moses David, Head of Health Unit for IOM in Nimule, said additional personnel have been deployed to reinforce screening activities and infection prevention measures.
“We have added more staff to support screening operations and risk communication at the point of entry,” he said. “This will help strengthen surveillance and ensure travelers receive accurate information about Ebola prevention.”
Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness caused by infection with the Ebola virus. The disease spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials. Symptoms can appear between two and 21 days after exposure and commonly include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, bleeding.
According to the World Health Organization, the current outbreak affecting the DRC and Uganda is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. As of June 9 2026, the WHO reported 515 confirmed cases, including 91 deaths, in the DRC and 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths, in Uganda. All cases reported in Uganda have been linked to transmission originating from the DRC.
Although South Sudan has not recorded any Ebola cases linked to the current outbreak, health authorities classify the country as being at high risk due to its proximity to affected areas and the movement of people across borders.
Officials emphasized that misinformation and stigma can undermine response efforts. They urged communities to remain vigilant, seek information from trusted sources, and report any suspected symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility.
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