Dr. Oromo Francis, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative in South Sudan, during a press conference in Juba briefing the media on Ebola preparedness, June 26, 2026. Photo Credit: Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has reassured the public that South Sudan has not recorded any confirmed cases of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, while emphasizing ongoing preparedness and surveillance measures across the country.

The update was made during a joint press conference held in Juba, where health officials addressed public concerns and provided the latest status on Ebola monitoring and response activities.

Speaking at the briefing, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Oromo Francis, confirmed that all suspected cases tested so far have returned negative results.

He said the National Public Health Laboratory has tested seven suspected samples for Ebola virus disease, and all were confirmed negative, reinforcing that no cases of Ebola have been detected in the country to date.

Dr. Francis further stated that preparedness measures remain in place, including surveillance strengthening, rapid response readiness, and public health awareness campaigns aimed at early detection and containment of any potential outbreak.

He also called on countries that have imposed travel restrictions on South Sudan to reconsider and lift such measures, noting that the country remains free of confirmed Ebola cases.

The World Health Organization Representative in South Sudan, Dr. Humphrey Karamagi, also addressed the media, confirming that no Ebola cases have been reported in the country.

He noted that the detection of suspected cases reflects a functioning surveillance system capable of identifying and investigating alerts, which he described as a positive indicator of public health readiness.

Dr. Karamagi emphasized that travel restrictions are generally not recommended under the International Health Regulations, adding that the priority should be strengthening national capacities for early detection, response, and containment of disease outbreaks.

He reiterated WHO’s continued support to South Sudan in enhancing laboratory systems, disease surveillance, and emergency preparedness to ensure rapid response to any public health threats.

Health authorities have urged the public to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility as part of ongoing prevention efforts.

The Ministry of Health and WHO reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that South Sudan remains prepared to respond effectively to any potential Ebola outbreak.