Ebola Outbreak Underscores Urgent Need for Increased Public Health Funding in South Sudan

The embassies of Canada, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States have emphasized the urgent need for the Government of South Sudan to increase public funding for the health sector as the region faces an ongoing Ebola outbreak.

In a joint statement, the diplomatic missions said the outbreak highlights the importance of sustained investment in the country’s healthcare system to strengthen preparedness, disease surveillance, early detection, and emergency response.

The embassies also called for the prompt and regular payment of salaries for public health workers, particularly those directly involved in Ebola monitoring, detection, and response activities. They stressed that timely remuneration is essential to maintaining an effective frontline workforce capable of responding to public health emergencies.

The statement underscored that strengthening South Sudan’s health sector through adequate public financing is critical not only for containing Ebola but also for improving the country’s capacity to respond to future disease outbreaks and other health challenges.

The seven embassies reaffirmed their support for efforts aimed at protecting public health and enhancing the resilience of South Sudan’s healthcare system through stronger government investment and partnership.