Ministry of Health with Support from World Health Organization (WHO) reactivates the Infectious Disease Unit (IDU) In Nimule to enhance cross border public health security in South Sudan
To improve the ability to treat infectious diseases and mitigate the risk of cross-border disease transmission, the Ministry of Health has established and handed over the infectious disease facilities on the Nimule border Magway County Health Department with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The new 15-bed capacity facility is designed to enhance the country’s healthcare system by providing the necessary resources and infrastructure to effectively manage infectious diseases and enhance infection prevention and control.
South Sudan established the facility in 2022 after Uganda declared the Ebola virus disease (EVD). The facility is the product of a continuous investment in emergency preparedness and responsive capacity building. With the current outbreak of Sudanese virus disease outbreaks in Uganda, given the epidemiological links between the two sister countries, this is the best time to make the facility functional. This is in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR (2005), which requires countries to designate and strengthen their capacity at points of entry to mitigate the risk of cross-border disease spread and preserve international public health security.
South Sudan has been vigilant against virus hemorrhagic fever at all levels, MPOX and cholera. National preparation and response programs for the three diseases are used to inform investment and operational decisions. Coordination of preparation for investment has begun using the Multidisease Outbreak Event Management System (IMS) currently managing anthrax, cholera and MPOX outbreaks.
“Our main focus is to strengthen surveillance efforts, which includes screening all travelers at the main entrances in Uganda. Screening has begun in several high-risk areas.” Humphrey Karamagi, representative of South Sudan, said “With who supported a multidisciplinary team of public health experts, currently being sent to Nimule, while Kajokeji conducted a risk assessment and identified priority to strengthen early detection, investigation and response to the Ebola virus disease,” said the doctor.
“Our aim is to protect communities by preparing and promptly responding to outbreaks and other public health threats and establishing infectious disease departments at Nimule entry points, which will help South Sudan expand timely testing, assessment, reporting and reporting, reporting and reporting and reporting and Report Responsiveness Dr. Harriet Pasquale Akello, Deputy Minister of Health, said that public health risks were responded quickly and effectively. “I am grateful to those who and respond to generous support”
The Joint External Assessment of National Capacity (JEE) 2024 Determination of Border Health and Entry Points is one of the weakest areas in need of improvement. In turn, JEE recommends capacity assessments, contingency plans for port health services development, including international traveler screening, information sharing and minimum care facilities to isolate/curb affected by affected persons suspected of infectious diseases. It is precisely for these JEE recommendations that strengthening the IHR capacity of Juba International Airport (JIA) and other designated entry points at Nimule and other border points are being prioritized.
South Sudan is constantly at risk for emerging diseases such as Ebola virus, yellow fever, cholera, ongoing Covid-19 and other diseases that threaten international public health security due to the spread of cross-border diseases. Who is working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to reduce their impact on health and well-being. However, the country remains vulnerable to future events.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) – South Sudan.
