South Sudan, Uganda Strengthen Border Cooperation Against Disease Outbreaks

By Patricia John Kenyi

South Sudan and Uganda have agreed to step up joint efforts to prevent and contain infectious diseases along their common border, following the signing of a new health cooperation agreement in Juba.

The Memorandum of Understanding brings the health authorities of the two countries together under a common framework for detecting disease threats early, sharing vital health information and coordinating emergency responses.

The agreement is particularly significant as the region continues to face outbreaks and the risk of diseases crossing borders through frequent movement of people, livestock, goods and traders.

Among the diseases identified as major concerns are Bundibugyo Virus Disease, viral haemorrhagic fevers, cholera and other communicable illnesses.

South Sudan has not confirmed a case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease, but health authorities say the country remains exposed to the risk of imported cases because of its extensive border movement and limited health infrastructure in some areas.

The signing ceremony was attended by Vice President for the Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, who described stronger health preparedness as an essential part of protecting national security.

“Health security is national security,” the Vice President said, calling for the commitments under the agreement to be backed by coordinated government action.

National Minister of Health, Luke Thompson Thoan, said the agreement would enable South Sudan and Uganda to respond more effectively to emerging health threats by ensuring that information and alerts reach the relevant authorities without delay.

He said the partnership would help the two countries prepare jointly rather than waiting for outbreaks to escalate before taking action.

For Uganda, Health Minister , Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, stressed the need to turn the agreement into concrete activities, warning against allowing it to become another document without implementation.

Under the new arrangement, health officials from both countries will cooperate on disease surveillance, laboratory services, screening at border crossings, vaccination, contact tracing and treatment referrals.

They will also coordinate infection prevention measures, emergency supplies, deployment of response teams and public awareness campaigns aimed at helping communities recognise and prevent disease outbreaks.

The partnership will place particular emphasis on strengthening the skills and readiness of health workers and Rapid Response Teams.

Training programmes, mentorship, technical exchanges and joint simulation exercises are expected to help health personnel prepare for potential outbreaks and respond more quickly when emergencies occur.

The agreement also calls for regular communication between authorities on both sides of the border and the rapid notification of suspected public health emergencies.

Africa CDC, the UK Health Security Agency and the World Health Organization will support the implementation of the agreement through the Continental Incident Management Support Team.

A joint action plan, including timelines and estimated costs, will guide the implementation process.

Dr. Lul Riek, Senior Regional Representative of the Africa CDC Eastern Africa Regional Coordinating Centre, said the agreement demonstrates the importance of African countries working together to prevent local health threats from becoming regional crises.

The MoU will initially run for three years.

Officials say the partnership is expected to improve preparedness in border communities and strengthen the ability of South Sudan and Uganda to detect, contain and respond to disease outbreaks before they spread further.