September 17, 2021, Juba – to improve coordination and communication capacities to mitigate the risk of cross-border spread of diseases and other threats to public health, WHO, with support from the Government of Japan, created and handed over a port health center in Juba from the international airport to the Ministry of Health of South Sudan.

International health regulations (IHR (2005)) require countries to designate, strengthen and maintain capacity at points of entry in order to mitigate the risk of cross-border spread of disease and to maintain international health security.

“The establishment of a port health center in Juba and other designated entry points will help South Sudan expand its surveillance and response capacity to detect, assess, report and respond to health risks quickly and effectively. public among international travelers at borders, said Hon. Dr Victoria Anib Majur, Under Secretary, Ministry of Health. “I am grateful to the Government of Japan and to WHO for their generous support,” added Hon. Dr Anib.

Dr Anib urged the port health team at Juba International Airport to make maximum use of the facility and ensure that surveillance and public health measures are in place to protect travelers and ensure safety. of the population of South Sudan.

The Government of Japan, in partnership with United Nations agencies, has supported South Sudan’s efforts to combat COVID-19 and other diseases through various projects, including the construction and improvement of health facilities. health, the provision of thermal scanners and medical supplies, and improvement of the vaccine cold chain. .

“Japan’s assistance to South Sudan through the WHO will help prevent the cross-border spread of COVID-19 and other diseases and, therefore, save more lives,” said HE Tsutsumi Naohiro , Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of South Sudan.

Dr Fabian Ndenzako, WHO Acting Representative for South Sudan, noted that South Sudan has taken an important step in establishing the Port Health Facility at Juba International Airport, in accordance with its obligation under IHR (2005) and in accordance with South Sudan. National Health Security Action Plan (NAPHS) 2020-2024.

“I commend the Government of Japan for its continued support for health system resilience and emergency preparedness in South Sudan,” said Dr Ndenzako, “WHO is also working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to establish a similar port health facility in the border town. from Nimule which is one of the main gateways to South Sudan, ”added Dr Ndenzako.

The 2017 Joint External Assessment (JEC) of national capacities highlighted the need to strengthen the port health policy and governance framework. The JEE also recommended strengthening the capacity of RSI for Juba International Airport (JIA) and other designated entry points in Nimule and Renk.

Since August 2018, Juba International Airport, along with other points of entry, has screened for several diseases, including yellow fever, Ebola virus disease, COVID-19 and other threats to public health.

South Sudan is continually facing increased risk of emerging diseases like Ebola virus, yellow fever, cholera, ongoing COVID-19 and other diseases threatening international public health security due to the spread cross-border disease. To reduce their impact, WHO is working with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to strengthen national and cross-border surveillance and response capacities as part of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR ). IDSR is the basic strategy for strengthening national disease surveillance systems in the WHO African Region and was approved by the Regional Committee in 1998.

Notes to Editors: The International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR (2005) provide a comprehensive legal framework that defines the rights and obligations of countries to detect, prevent and respond to public health events and emergencies that may spread. locally and across IHR states parties are required to establish and maintain public health surveillance and response capacities at national, subnational and community levels and at designated points of entry to ensure that threats for public health are quickly brought under control locally in order to mitigate the risk of cross-border spread of disease and to minimize the risks to travel, commerce and public health safety.

Technical contacts:

Dr Wamala Joseph Francis: [email protected] Dr Alice Igale Lado: [email protected]

For more information or to request interviews, please contact:

Ms. Jemila M. Ebrahim Communication Officer Mobile: +211 921 647 859 Email: [email protected]

Mr. Atem John Ajang Communication Officer Mobile: +211 (0) 921736375 Email: [email protected]