AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update (DRC/Uganda): Bundibugyo Ebola has killed at least 625 people in the DRC, with the outbreak expanding into a fourth province and pushing case fatality to about 34%; health agencies warn the virus is still outpacing response, while entry restrictions tied to the outbreak remain in place with a July 21 decision deadline. Frontline Medical Aid: Direct Relief and partners delivered PPE and medicines to Ebola treatment sites in Ituri, including respirators and supplies aimed at protecting healthcare workers. South Sudan Health Under Pressure: As fighting disrupts access to care, the ICRC reports medical evacuations rose by over 50% in the first half of 2026, with surgeries at Juba Military Hospital up nearly 30% as the referral system strains. Local Care & Maternal Choice: A Buffalo-area story highlights how patients seek control and support in birth settings—an indirect reminder of why respectful, well-resourced maternal services matter. Independence & Public Services: On South Sudan’s 15th anniversary, officials and commentators repeatedly link peace and unity to better healthcare access, while conflict and stalled governance continue to limit medicines, clinics, and safe services. Climate & Health Risks: Authorities warn below-normal rainfall and heat could worsen food insecurity and raise disease risks, urging water conservation and preventive steps for communities. Bank of South Sudan Staff Welfare: BoSS workers resumed duties after union talks, following demands including medical insurance activation—an issue that affects staff health coverage and wellbeing.

Ebola Alert: Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has surged past 600 deaths in the DRC and Uganda, with 1,779 confirmed cases and a case fatality rate around 34%, warning the virus is still outpacing response and pointing to gaps in funding, safe burials, and healthcare worker safety. South Sudan Care Under Strain: The ICRC reports medical evacuations of wounded people rose 50% in South Sudan’s first half of 2026 (266 cases), with more surgeries at Juba Military Hospital as fighting restricts access to care. Ebola Screening at Borders: The U.S. CDC says enhanced Ebola screening remains active at major airports and entry restrictions for travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan continue through about July 21, urging healthcare facilities to review Ebola readiness. Local Health Milestone: Chinese medical teams report a successful laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair at Juba Teaching Hospital, a first of its kind there using donated equipment. Climate & Health Risks: South Sudan meteorology and IGAD warn below-normal rainfall could drive drought, water shortages, and disease outbreaks, while some areas may face localized flooding—pushing communities to conserve water and prepare. Independence Spotlight: As South Sudan marks 15 years, multiple reports highlight how conflict and stalled services are still leaving hospitals short on medicines and children out of school.

Ebola Response: Africa CDC says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda has surpassed 600 deaths and is still accelerating, with major gaps in financing, safe burials, and healthcare worker protection. Travel Health: The U.S. CDC reports enhanced Ebola screening at major airports and entry restrictions for travelers from DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan through about July 21, urging facilities to assess symptoms and risk factors. Local Care Under Strain: In South Sudan, renewed fighting is pushing the healthcare system to breaking point, with ICRC medical evacuations up 50% in the first half of 2026 and surgeries at Juba Military Hospital rising nearly 30%. New Treatment Hope: South Africa’s Xylomed says it is preparing a clinical trial of an experimental Ebola therapeutic in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Independence & Health Reality: As South Sudan marks 15 years since independence, reporting highlights how limited access to healthcare, unpaid services, and conflict-linked displacement are still shaping daily health outcomes. Climate & Disease Risk: Authorities warn below-normal rainfall and heat could worsen food insecurity and raise the risk of disease outbreaks linked to water shortages and crowded conditions.

Conflict & Care: The ICRC reports medical evacuations of wounded South Sudanese rose 50% in the first half of 2026, with surgeries at Juba Military Hospital up nearly 30% as fighting cuts people off from trauma services and some aid-run facilities shut after attacks. Ebola Preparedness: U.S. airport Ebola screening remains active through July 21 for travelers linked to DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, as Bundibugyo Ebola spreads with no approved vaccine or targeted treatment. Ebola Research & Trials: Africa CDC and partners are pushing clinical trials for Bundibugyo Ebola, while a South African pharma firm Xylomed says it plans a trial of an experimental Ebola therapeutic across DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Climate & Health Risks: South Sudan Meteorological Services and ICPAC warn of below-normal rainfall in many states, raising drought, water shortages, food insecurity and disease outbreak risks, alongside localized flooding in some areas. Local Health Services: A Chinese medical team says it performed a first laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair at Juba Teaching Hospital, offering a boost for surgical care. Independence Context: As the country marks 15 years since July 9, coverage highlights ongoing instability, limited basic services, and the strain on health and wellbeing.

Conflict & Care Access: The ICRC reports medical evacuations of wounded South Sudanese jumped 50% in the first half of 2026 as fighting cuts people off from hospitals, with surgeries rising at Juba Military Hospital while some aid-run facilities shut after attacks. Independence, but not peace: South Sudan marks 15 years since independence, yet millions of children remain out of school and many families still face humanitarian need—raising alarms about how long the country’s “peace” has failed to protect health and safety. Surgery Milestone: A Chinese medical team at Juba Teaching Hospital successfully performed laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair, a first of its kind there, offering new hope for surgical care. Climate & Health Risks: Authorities warn below-normal rainfall and heat could trigger drought, water shortages, crop failure, and disease outbreaks, while some areas may face localized flooding. Bank Sit-ins & Welfare: Bank of South Sudan staff staged a sit-in over unpaid incentives and lack of medical insurance; management faced a 10-day ultimatum after arrears issues. Ebola Watch (Regional): WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is still expanding and France detected a first imported case after a doctor’s return; a clinical trial is underway for this strain. Road Safety: A deadly train accident and separate defilement case are under police investigation, highlighting ongoing violence and child protection concerns.

Conflict & Care Access: The ICRC says South Sudan’s worsening fighting has pushed the health system to breaking point, with medical evacuations up 50% in the first half of 2026 as attacks cut civilians off from care and force more surgeries at Juba Military Hospital. Humanitarian Funding Strain: The same report links reduced services to shrinking aid funding, with aid-run hospitals shutting after attacks and mass-casualty triage becoming routine. Malaria in Pregnancy: A new report highlights how malaria keeps striking pregnant women, with one case of repeated malaria diagnoses despite prophylaxis—an urgent reminder for antenatal care and prevention. Tax Exemptions Debate: Analyst Boboya James Edimond questions Kiir’s new committee on unlawful tax exemptions, arguing existing institutions already have mandates—while noting exemptions can help humanitarian medicine and supplies reach people. Regional Health Risk (El Niño): UN agencies warn El Niño could bring extreme weather across high-risk countries including South Sudan, threatening food and health through drought, floods, and displacement. Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO flags the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak’s “true magnitude” as still unclear, with no approved vaccine or treatment—while trials begin to test new options.

Ebola Watch (DRC/Uganda): WHO says the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is still expanding with 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths, and warns the “true magnitude” is not yet known as response centers face pressure. Clinical Trials: Africa CDC highlights the start of a clinical trial for Bundibugyo therapeutics, while WHO and partners push a $518m response plan—yet there is still no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain. South Sudan Health Access: ICRC reports medical evacuations of wounded South Sudanese rose by over 50% in the first half of 2026, with more surgeries at Juba Military Hospital as attacks shut down facilities and funding gaps strain care. Cross-Border Safety: Kenya’s foreign affairs principal secretary raises concerns with South Sudan over detention without charge, denied consular access, and attacks on Kenyan truck drivers. Health & Climate Risk: UN agencies seek $200m+ to protect 8.8m people in high-risk countries, including South Sudan, ahead of El Niño impacts that could bring drought, flooding, and hunger. Local Recovery: World Bank-backed ECRP-II supports flood-displaced families in Rubkona returning home with restored roads, schools, health facilities, and water points. Workplace Health Benefits: Bank of South Sudan staff stage a sit-in over unpaid incentives, salary access issues, and lack of medical insurance.

Flood Recovery & Health Access: Nearly 5,000 flood-displaced Rubkona residents in Unity State have returned home after World Bank-funded ECRP-II dikes reclaimed submerged land, with restored roads, schools, health facilities and water points helping families restart farming. Ebola Treatment Push: WHO reports Bundibugyo Ebola has killed 454 people and infected 1,481 in DRC, and a first-ever randomized trial (PARTNERS) has opened to test treatments for this strain, as no approved vaccine or treatment exists yet. Sickle Cell Care Gap: El Sabah Children’s Hospital says it has recorded 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, forcing many families to travel to Uganda or go without testing due to cost. Elections & Governance (Health Link): Aweil South community leader Piol Geng Ariath died in Egypt after illness, highlighting how health access and referrals often depend on travel. Climate & Food Security: UN agencies warn El Niño could bring extreme weather to South Sudan and other African countries, with a $200m+ appeal aimed at protecting millions from hunger and health risks tied to drought and flooding.

Sickle Cell Care Gap: El Sabah Children’s Hospital says it has logged 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, forcing families to travel to Uganda or pay high costs for testing; the hospital is calling for funding and a national survey protocol to map the true burden. Health System Support: A national Ministry of Health assessment team completed a five-day supportive supervision visit to Northern Bahr el Ghazal, reviewing service delivery and mentoring health workers across Aweil’s counties under the Health Sector Transformation Project. Ebola Preparedness in the Region: WHO warns that conflict and lack of funding are blocking the Ebola response in eastern DRC, with projections of rapid case growth and urgent need for operational funds. Public Health & Climate Risk: UN agencies say El Nino could intensify extreme weather across Africa, with South Sudan listed among high-risk countries, and call for $200M+ to protect vulnerable people with cash support, resilient seeds, and flood control. Community Health Infrastructure: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona with toilets, water supply, and plans that include health centres and other local services.

Sickle Cell Care Gap: El Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba says it has logged 300+ sickle cell cases in two years but lacks diagnostic facilities, leaving families to travel to Uganda or pay high costs for testing. Ebola Preparedness in South Sudan: Yei River County held an Ebola preparedness meeting, stressing surveillance, risk communication, and infection prevention as DRC and Uganda report ongoing cases near South Sudan. National Health Oversight: A national Ministry of Health assessment team completed a five-day supportive supervision visit to Northern Bahr el Ghazal, reviewing service delivery and mentoring health workers across five counties. Local Health Access Worry: Gondokoro Monenyit Island residents near Juba say they have no school or functioning health facility, forcing pregnant women and patients to cross the Nile for care. DRC Ebola Update: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 400 deaths and continues spreading, with WHO warning funding shortfalls and conflict are slowing the response. Community Support: Aweil East residents raised over USD 11,000 for striker Akot Rooney’s specialised knee surgery after an injury during a tournament. Public Health & Safety: Western Bahr el Ghazal police opened an investigation after a 29-year-old man was found shot dead along the Mboro–Wau road.

Ebola Watch (DR Congo): WHO says conflict and lack of funding are slowing the Ebola response in eastern DRC, warning the outbreak could surge to 1,500 confirmed cases soon; meanwhile DRC reports 1,406 confirmed infections and 438 deaths, with a new case reported in Kisangani—raising cross-border concern for South Sudan. Ebola Preparedness (South Sudan): Yei River County held an Ebola preparedness meeting, stressing surveillance, infection prevention, and cross-border risk as DRC and Uganda report cases. Health System Support (Northern Bahr el Ghazal): A national Ministry of Health assessment team completed a five-day supervision visit to Aweil, reviewing service delivery and mentoring health workers across primary health centres and a county hospital. Access to Care (Juba outskirts): Gondokoro Monenyit Island residents say they lack a functioning health facility and school, forcing children to cross the Nile for classes and pregnant women to travel for care. Community Health Funding (Sports injury): Aweil East raised over USD 11,000 for striker Akot Rooney’s specialised knee surgery abroad. Public Safety (Western Bahr el Ghazal): Police investigate a 29-year-old man found shot dead along the Mboro–Wau road. Governance & Pay (Jonglei): Civil servants in Jonglei start receiving one month’s salary after nearly two years, but workers say arrears remain a major hardship. Media Leadership Loss: South Sudan’s Media Authority mourns Director General Sapana Agyuli Abuyi, who died after complications from high blood pressure and a fall.

Ebola Watch (DR Congo): The DR Congo Ebola outbreak has surpassed 400 deaths, with 438 fatalities reported among 1,406 confirmed cases since May 15, and a new case reported in Kisangani—raising cross-border alarm for South Sudan. Ebola Response (WHO): WHO says conflict and major funding gaps are blocking the response, warning the outbreak could surge to 1,500 confirmed cases soon. Ebola Preparedness (Yei): Yei River County health authorities and partners held an Ebola preparedness meeting, stressing surveillance, risk communication, and IPC/WASH coordination as people and trade move across borders. Health System Support (Northern Bahr el Ghazal): A national Ministry of Health assessment team completed a five-day supervision mission in Aweil, reviewing service delivery and mentoring health workers across five counties. Community Health Infrastructure (Unity): Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona, including water supply and plans for health-centre and sanitation projects. Local Safety (Western Bahr el Ghazal): Police opened an investigation after a 29-year-old man was found shot dead along the Mboro–Wau road. Health & Mobility (UAE): New UAE visa rules include faster Dubai tourist visa processing and expanded visa-on-arrival eligibility—relevant for medical travellers and visitors.

Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says lack of funding and insecurity in eastern DR Congo are slowing the Ebola response, with the outbreak now reported at 1,406 confirmed cases and 438 deaths, and a new case reaching Kisangani—raising cross-border alarm for South Sudan. Ebola Preparedness (South Sudan): Yei River County held an Ebola preparedness meeting, stressing surveillance, risk communication, and infection prevention as DRC and Uganda cases continue to be tracked. Health System Support: A national Ministry of Health assessment team finished a five-day supportive supervision visit to Northern Bahr el Ghazal, reviewing services across Aweil’s counties and mentoring frontline health workers. Community Health Access: Gondokoro Monenyit Island near Juba lacks a functioning health facility and school, forcing children and patients to cross the Nile for care. Child Health (Juba): A free cleft surgery mission completed its first operation in Juba, with plans to expand corrective surgeries and train local staff. Local Safety & Health: Police in Western Bahr el Ghazal opened an investigation after a 29-year-old man was found shot dead along the Mboro–Wau road. Humanitarian Aid Tensions (Akobo): Akobo residents protested delayed humanitarian cash assistance, demanding delivery without political interference. Health & Governance: Unity State inaugurated a World Bank-funded community centre in Rubkona, including water and sanitation features, while Jonglei civil servants began receiving delayed salaries.

Ebola in the region: The DR Congo Ebola outbreak has surpassed 400 deaths, with 438 deaths among 1,406 confirmed cases, and a new reported case in Kisangani—raising fears of spread toward South Sudan and Uganda. WHO response pressure: WHO says lack of funding and ongoing conflict are blocking effective Ebola control, warning the situation could spiral without operational money. Clinical trial begins: WHO has launched a trial of two Ebola therapeutics in the DR Congo, enrolling the first patient as cases keep rising. South Sudan preparedness: Yei River County held an Ebola preparedness meeting, stressing surveillance, risk communication, and infection prevention as cross-border movement continues. Local health access gap: Gondokoro Monenyit Island residents say children and pregnant women must cross the Nile daily for schooling and care because the island lacks a functioning health facility. Community support: Aweil East raised over USD 11,000 for injured footballer Akot Rooney’s specialised knee surgery abroad. Health system support: A free cleft surgery mission in Juba completed its first operation, aiming to restore health and capacity for local clinicians. Safety and health: Police in Western Bahr el Ghazal opened an investigation after a man was found dead with a gunshot wound along the Mboro–Wau road.

Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says lack of funding and insecurity are blocking the Ebola response in eastern DRC, warning the outbreak could surge to about 1,500 cases; meanwhile DRC officials report 438 deaths among 1,406 confirmed infections, with a new case reported in Kisangani and burial practices flagged as a key risk. Ebola Watch (South Sudan): Yei River County held an Ebola preparedness meeting, stressing surveillance, risk communication, and IPC/WASH work as cross-border movement raises concern. Local Health Access: Gondokoro Monenyit Island near Juba lacks a functioning health facility and school, forcing daily river crossings for children and urgent care. Health Services Upgrade: Al Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba is set to receive its first dedicated paediatric operating theatre (Sept–Oct), reducing referrals for child surgeries. Community Support: Aweil East raised over USD 11,000 for striker Akot Rooney’s specialised knee surgery abroad. Public Safety: Western Bahr el Ghazal police are investigating a 29-year-old man’s killing along the Mboro–Wau road. Health Policy & Funding: WHO launched a clinical trial of two Ebola treatments in DRC, with the first patient enrolled.

Health Access Gaps in Juba: Gondokoro Monenyit Island, just kilometres from Juba, has no school and no functioning health facility, leaving children to cross the Nile daily for classes and pregnant women to risk dangerous river trips for care. Residents say the island’s primary healthcare unit is broken and lacks medicines and staff, urging government action to build a fully equipped health centre. Ebola Escalation in DR Congo: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 400 deaths, with 438 reported dead and 1,406 confirmed cases since May 15, and the virus reaching Kisangani—near the South Sudan border—raising fears of wider spread. WHO Treatment Trial: WHO has started a clinical trial of two Ebola therapeutics in DR Congo, enrolling the first patient as cases and deaths continue to rise. Regional Economic Fallout: UNDP warns Ebola could cost Africa up to $3.6bn and push hundreds of thousands more into poverty, with knock-on damage to jobs, education, and healthcare. South Sudan Health Capacity Boost: Al Sabah Children’s Hospital in Juba is set to receive its first dedicated paediatric operating theatre (installation expected by Sept–Oct), helping children avoid referrals due to lack of a functioning theatre. Security and Ceasefire Worries: Peace monitors say recurring ceasefire violations and delays in security reforms are undermining South Sudan’s peace implementation and could affect preparations for the December 2026 elections.