Key Considerations: Cross-Border Dynamics between Uganda and South Sudan in the Context of the Outbreak of Ebola, 2022

Abstract

This brief summarises key considerations concerning cross-border dynamics between South Sudan and Uganda in the context of the 2022 outbreak of Ebola in Uganda, and the risk of the spread of the virus into South Sudan. It is one of four briefs exploring cross-border dynamics in the context of the outbreak, alongside Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. The outbreak is of the Sudan strain of Ebola (Sudan Virus Disease, SVD). SVD is used in this paper to refer to the current outbreak in East Africa, whereas outbreaks of Zaire Ebolavirus disease or general references to Ebola are referred to as EVD. The outbreak of SVD began in Mubende, Uganda, on 19 September 2022. At the time of writing (25 November), there had been 141 confirmed cases and 55 deaths, including seven health workers. Infections had been confirmed in nine districts in Uganda, including in Kampala – a major transport hub. Vaccines used in previous Ebola outbreaks are effective against the Zaire strain of Ebola, and vaccines that could work against the Sudan strain remain under investigation. As of November 2022, there have been no confirmed cases of SVD imported into South Sudan, although several alerts have been investigated. However, the fear that travellers from Uganda might bring the disease into South Sudan has spurred preparations by government institutions and partner organisations, building on the experiences acquired during past outbreaks, particularly Ebola and COVID-19. An EVD High Level Taskforce has been formed, chaired by the Minister for Cabinet Affairs and co-chaired by the Minister of Health. The South Sudan Ministry of Health (MoH) has activated the Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) and Incident Management System (IMS). A national EVD Readiness Plan has been developed and endorsed by the government. A free hotline (number 6666) is in place, which can be used either to report suspected cases or for information on Ebola. Training of staff at border entry points has started. This brief is based on a rapid review of published and grey literature, and informal discussions with the South Sudan Red Cross, IOM, academics from University of Juba, and the PHEOC. It was requested by the Collective Service and was written by Leben Nelson Moro (University of Juba) and Alice Robinson (London School of Economics). It was reviewed by colleagues at the University of Bath, the PHEOC, Internews, Anthrologica, the Institute of Development Studies and the Collective Service. The brief is the responsibility of the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP).