South Sudan Maintains Ebola-Free Status as Cholera, Polio and Malnutrition Remain Major Health Concerns
South Sudan has remained free of Ebola and Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), although health authorities continue to maintain a high level of preparedness as the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) poses an ongoing cross-border threat.
According to the Weekly Situation Update on Ongoing Health Emergency Events covering 20–26 July 2026, the country’s national Ebola and BVD preparedness has improved to 65 per cent, exceeding the regional average. However, officials warn that readiness at state, county and border-entry levels remains significantly lower and requires urgent strengthening. Uganda officially declared the end of its 2026 Ebola outbreak on 28 July, leaving the DRC as the only country in the region with active transmission.
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s cholera outbreak continues, with 210 new cases reported during the week but no deaths. The cumulative caseload has reached 109,908, with 1,720 deaths recorded since the outbreak began. Most recent infections were reported in Rubkona and Leer counties, where vaccination campaigns and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions are ongoing.
Health authorities also confirmed the detection of two new circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) isolates—one in Nasir County and another in Tonj South County. Investigations are underway, while preparations continue for a nationwide supplementary immunization campaign scheduled for late August.
The report notes encouraging progress in malaria control, with 57,303 cases recorded during the reporting week, representing a 32.3 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2025.
However, the humanitarian situation in Jonglei State remains critical. Acute malnutrition has reached 22.3 per cent, well above the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold of 15 per cent, while several counties continue to face IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe) food insecurity. Ongoing conflict has disrupted health services, leaving thousands without access to routine healthcare and immunization.
Mpox transmission also remains active, with six new suspected cases reported in Yambio, Juba County and Wau. Since February 2025, South Sudan has confirmed 128 Mpox cases out of 719 suspected infections.
Health officials are calling for stronger disease surveillance, expanded vaccination coverage, improved laboratory capacity, and increased humanitarian support to address multiple overlapping public health emergencies affecting vulnerable communities across the country.
