South Sudan: Uganda to Send Health Workers to South Sudan for Ebola Response

Kampala - Uganda has pledged to send health workers to South Sudan as part of an agreement to support the country's Ebola response efforts. Dr. Charles Ayume, the State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, revealed that the move aims to help South Sudan control the spread of the virus and prevent it from entering Uganda, given the close proximity of the two neighboring countries.

Uganda has already dispatched health workers to neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to assist with the Ebola response, as the nation continues to see a rise in cases. During discussions with leaders in West Nile in Arua, Ayume warned that failing to address outbreaks in neighboring nations could lead to the disease spreading into Uganda.

Just last month, Uganda was declared Ebola-free after no new cases were registered or admitted. Assistant Commissioner Dr. Jimmy Opigo highlighted Uganda's vulnerability to importing the disease due to its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Health officials in Uganda are also worried about illegal border crossings, as people often travel without proper clearance at border points.

To prevent the importation of Ebola into Uganda, officials are stationed at designated border points to ensure all individuals crossing are screened and cleared. So far, Uganda has recorded a total of 20 cases, with 15 being imported and five being local. Of these, 18 individuals recovered, while two tragically passed away. AllAfrica, which publishes news and views from around the world, reports that Uganda has had a cumulative 20 cases, 15 of which were imported, and five local. Of these, 18 people recovered, while two died.