More than 5,000 people have crossed into South Sudan from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), reportedly fleeing the Ebola outbreak and requiring urgent humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the arrivals entered Ibba County in Western Equatoria State between July and mid-October.
Nearly 380 of those who crossed the border are DRC nationals, while the majority are South Sudanese returning home after seeking refuge in the neighbouring country.
An assessment conducted last week by OCHA and its humanitarian partners in Nabanga Payam, Ibba County, found that many recent arrivals urgently needed medicines, nutritional supplies, food and basic household items.
The needs identified included kitchen utensils, sleeping mats, blankets and dignity kits for women and adolescent girls.
Humanitarian partners also called for the Ebola isolation centre to be made operational to strengthen screening and disease surveillance at the Nabanga border crossing point.
The movement of people across the border has raised concerns about the potential spread of Ebola into South Sudan as transmission continues in the DRC.
In preparation, South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, National Public Health Institute and partners recently conducted a simulation exercise in the capital, Juba, and in Yei and Yambio counties to assess the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to suspected Ebola cases.
The exercise was aimed at testing preparedness and response systems as authorities monitor the risk of cross-border transmission.
