rki.news | Sources Xinhua
JUBA, Sept. 8: South Sudan and Uganda have agreed to ease cross-border procedures to ensure faster movement of health workers, medical vehicles and emergency supplies during public health emergencies.
The agreement was formalized Monday in Juba with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the two countries’ health ministers. It seeks to improve disease surveillance, joint outbreak response and regional health security.
South Sudan Vice President for the Service Cluster Hussein Abdelbagi Akol said temporary visa and work permit waivers would be expedited to facilitate emergency operations along the border.
Under the agreement, the countries will share real-time epidemiological information, issue outbreak alerts, conduct joint contact tracing, strengthen border screening and coordinate mobile health teams.
Uganda Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi highlighted the importance of cooperation amid frequent cross-border movement, citing Uganda’s experience in containing Ebola.
Officials also called for a regional standby health workforce. South Sudan has identified 15 high-risk counties and 22 priority entry points, while its six-month preparedness plan requires more than $30 million for critical health measures.
South Sudan Uganda Strengthen Joint Health Emergency Cooperation
