South Sudan sets up Ebola simulation exercise to enhance border preparedness

JUBA, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan will scale up a scrutiny campaign against Ebola after an outbreak of the viral hemorrhagic fever disease was reported in recent months in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the Ministry of Health on Monday.

The simulation exercise which is slated for Aug. 16 in the capital Juba will be carried out in the border towns of Nimule and Yei, according to the ministry.

"The exercise will test and validate capabilities for early detection, rapid response, and effective coordination at national, state and community levels, in view of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC," Richard Lako Lino, incident manager at Ministry of Health, said in a statement issued in Juba.

Lino said the east African country is safe from the Ebola virus which has killed more than 1,000 people in the neighboring DRC since August 2018.

"The public should not panic if they see health workers in protective gear, ambulances or other Ebola-related activities as these are part of the simulation only," he added.

He observed that the simulation is a practical test for health workers who have participated in capacity building and training activities, adding that the drills are in accordance with the international health regulations.

In July, South Sudan's health officials denied the outbreak of the deadly viral Ebola disease in the country following the death of a 41-year-old woman who succumbed to Ebola in Aliwara, in the eastern part of the DRC, some 70 km from the border.