UNICEF scales up preparedness in response to Ebola outbreaks in neighbouring countries
JUBA, South Sudan, 3 November 2026 - UNICEF South Sudan is on alert for further outbreaks of Ebola, Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) following cases in neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is scaling up preparedness in priority counties.
The scale up is generously supported by donors including the United States Government, Mastercard Foundation and the UN Central Emergency Revolving Fund (CERF).
The UN children’s agency has delivered over 50 metric tonnes of supplies including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and materials for infection control (IPC). In some of the most ‘at risk’ counties and states, UNICEF is strengthening preparedness by improving infection prevention standards in health facilities and communities, and equipping health workers, rapid response teams, faith leaders, and community members with the knowledge and skills needed to identify symptoms, promote protective behaviours, support early referral, and combat misinformation related to BVD.
A key preparedness milestone was the recent national simulation exercise to test South Sudan’s capacity to detect and manage any potential cases or outbreaks. Led by the National Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, the simulation exercise identified strengths and gaps in a system wide response. Dr Douglas Noble, UNICEF Global Lead for Public Health Emergencies and Incident Manager for the Ebola Crisis, visited South Sudan shortly after the simulation and met with partners and Government officials
A great deal of important BVD preparedness work has been undertaken by UNICEF, WHO, Africa CDC and partners in support of the Government. The recent simulation exercise was an important step forward. The priority now must be to address remaining gaps in the days and weeks ahead.
UNICEF South Sudan Representative, Noala Skinner has underscored that additional investment is essential to strengthen community-based surveillance, improve health facility readiness, maintain supply pipelines, enhance cross-border preparedness, and increase surge capacity before any outbreak occurs.
Evidence from previous Ebola outbreaks shows that preparation is key to keeping outbreaks under control. Domestic investment in the social services, including payment of salaries could not be more important at this time to underpin preparedness and support any response.
Skinner says ongoing crises in the country, including displacement, flooding, drought-like conditions, food insecurity and recurrent disease outbreaks, are already straining essential services and increasing the risk of public health emergencies.
Bundibugyo is a rare and different type of Ebola and currently has no specific treatment, though trials and tests are underway to find effective medicines and vaccines. As of November 1, more than 10,000 people were infected with BVD in DRC, where the response is struggling to contain the disease. Of those more than 5,000 have died. Children have been particularly affected by the outbreak in DRC, with one in four cases being children and one in three deaths.
In the event of an outbreak in South Sudan, skilled and trained health workers, sufficient IPC supplies and well-informed communities are key to containing and treating patients and preventing cases from growing exponentially.
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