In preparation for a possible Ebola outbreak, Britain is supporting South Sudan with $650,000.
Britain calls for increased government funding for the health sector.
Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:
Announced UK Regarding the provision of urgent financial support worth US$650,000, through the World Health Organization, with the aim of supporting South Sudan’s efforts to prepare for a possible outbreak of the Ebola virus.
The British Embassy in Juba said the support comes as part of ongoing cooperation with the Government of South Sudan to enhance health preparedness and rapid response to epidemic emergencies, especially in light of the challenges facing the health sector.
The British Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, discussed this support with the new Minister of Health, Hon. Luke Thompson Thani, while also emphasizing the importance of increasing government funding allocated to the health sector to ensure improved response and healthcare capabilities in the country.
Britain affirmed its continued partnership with South Sudan in the areas of public health and support for health systems, which contributes to strengthening prevention and preparedness to face any potential health threats.
Ebola cases on the rise
Government data released Wednesday showed that the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 635, including 127 deaths.
The U.S. State Department said Wednesday it will provide an additional $20 million to help combat the Ebola outbreak in Africa, bringing its total direct support to more than $220 million.
The ministry said in a statement that the funds would support preparedness efforts in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan, including national emergency operations centers, as well as surveillance, testing, border screening and infection prevention and control.
She added that this would also help countries distribute essential goods and manage Ebola patients.
In a related context, the World Health Organization said that three laboratories in the Democratic Republic of Congo have run out of supplies needed to test for the Ebola virus, as the outbreak of the dangerous Bundibugyo strain of the virus continues to grow.
