Arabic version: أوغندا تخطط لإيفاد عاملين صحيين إلى جنوب السودان

According to Allafrica, Uganda’s government is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with South Sudan to expand Ebola-response support by sending health workers to its northern neighbour. The planned deployment is intended to help South Sudan respond to Ebola while reducing the risk of the virus spreading into Uganda.

Dr. Charles Ayume, the State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, said the arrangement reflects the free movement of people between the two countries. He told leaders during an engagement in West Nile in Arua that failing to respond to outbreaks in neighbouring countries creates a high risk that disease could spread into Uganda.

Uganda has already deployed health workers to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support its Ebola response, as the neighbouring country continues to register a surge in cases. Assistant Commissioner Dr. Jimmy Opigo said Uganda’s borders with both the DRC and South Sudan create a risk of importing the disease if it is not well managed.

Ugandan health officials have also raised concerns about illegal entry points, where people continue crossing without clearance by authorities at border posts. Officials are stationed at gazetted border points to screen and clear everyone crossing in an effort to prevent Ebola importation.

Uganda was declared Ebola-free last month after no new cases were registered or admitted. The country recorded 20 cumulative cases, including 15 imported cases and five local cases. Eighteen people recovered and two died.