The Ministry of Health has launched a full-scale field simulation exercise to test South Sudan’s preparedness for Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a strain of Ebola, amid reports of Kenya’s eighth confirmed case
The exercise, running from October 19 to 23, is taking place in Juba, Yei and Yambio, under the National Public Health Institute (NPHI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and national and international partners.
Speaking to journalists on Monday evening, Health Minister Dak Duop Bichiok said the exercise aims to assess and strengthen the country’s ability to prevent, detect and respond effectively to potential public health emergencies.
“The purpose of this exercise is to assess and strengthen our country’s readiness to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to potential public health emergencies,” Bichiok said.
He stressed that the exercise should not be mistaken for an announcement of an outbreak in South Sudan.
“I wish to emphasize clearly that this is a preparedness exercise, not a declaration of an outbreak,” the minister said.
According to Bichiok, the simulation will allow health professionals, emergency response teams and relevant government institutions to practise coordination, communication, disease surveillance, infection prevention and control, and emergency response procedures.
He said the exercise will also test existing emergency response systems under simulated conditions and help identify gaps requiring further improvement.
The minister urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, alarming messages or rumours through social media and other communication channels.
“Preparedness is a sign of responsibility, not a reason for fear,” Bichiok said.
He called on journalists, media houses, community leaders, religious leaders, youth representatives and local authorities to share verified information and help prevent unnecessary fear and confusion.
Bichiok also cautioned residents of Juba, Yei and Yambio that they may observe unusual movements of health personnel, emergency vehicles and response teams during the exercise.
He said such activities are part of the simulation and should not be interpreted as confirmation of an outbreak.
The minister urged communities in the three locations to cooperate with exercise teams, follow official guidance and seek clarification from health authorities whenever they have concerns.
The preparedness exercise comes amid heightened regional concern over Bundibugyo virus disease after Kenya reported its eighth confirmed case, following the detection of another infection on Sunday, October 18.
Kenyan health authorities said the latest case involves a 49-year-old man who worked as a hospital patient attendant and was likely exposed to the country’s first confirmed patient.
The initial patient, who had travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda, died in Nairobi on October 5.
The reported cases have heightened concerns about cross-border transmission, prompting countries in the region to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency preparedness.
South Sudan has not reported a confirmed case of Bundibugyo virus disease, according to statements from its health authorities. However, the government has intensified preparedness measures following the confirmation of cases in neighbouring countries.
The Ministry of Health says it remains committed to strengthening disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, risk communication, community engagement and emergency response systems across the country.
It has urged the public to rely on verified information from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute and other authorised government communication channels.
The post South Sudan launches Ebola preparedness simulation exercise amid Kenya’s eighth confirmed Case first appeared on Eye Radio.