Six embassies warn of high Ebola outbreak risk in South Sudan

The embassies of Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States have warned of a high risk of an Ebola outbreak in South Sudan.

In a joint statement, the diplomatic missions urged South Sudan’s leaders to use public funds to strengthen the health sector, including paying the salaries of health workers.

“The Embassies of Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America reaffirm their concern about the high risks of an Ebola outbreak in South Sudan,” the statement said.

They said the risk of an outbreak makes it urgent for the government to increase funding for public health services and support frontline workers.

The embassies also called on the government to grant humanitarian organisations full access across the country to provide assistance to people in need.

“These risks give even greater urgency to the need for South Sudan’s leaders to start using South Sudan’s public revenue to fund the health sector, including the salaries of public health workers.

“It also gives greater urgency to our calls for South Sudan’s leaders to support full access throughout the country for organizations providing assistance to South Sudanese people in need,” the statement added.

They said adequate health funding and unrestricted humanitarian access are essential for preparing for and responding to potential health emergencies.