AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan has heightened surveillance after Kenya confirmed an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case. No cases have been detected in the country; screening is underway at border points, Juba airport and 15 high-risk counties, with eight isolation units ready. East African health ministers have also agreed to strengthen cross-border outbreak response. Mental Health: An ICRC delegate says one in five people may experience mental health problems after conflict, including depression, anxiety or trauma, and need support. Trauma Care: Renewed fighting is overwhelming Juba’s military hospital, where surgeons face a steady flow of critically wounded patients and a health system short of resources. Food and Medicines: Torit’s commissioner warns drought is driving families into Uganda and Kenya in search of food, while local health facilities lack essential medicines. Health Funding: South Sudan must contribute $9 million toward a $129 million Global Fund programme for HIV, TB and malaria from 2028. The CDC’s South Sudan office has also closed amid funding and operational cuts.

Ebola Alert: South Sudan has stepped up surveillance after Kenya confirmed its first Bundibugyo Ebola case. No cases have been detected in South Sudan; screening is underway at entry points, Juba airport and borders in 15 high-risk counties, with eight specialist isolation units ready. Health Services Under Pressure: Only 11% of the country’s health facilities are highly functional, while 18% are non-functional. The health response plan is only 47% funded, putting care at risk for millions who need assistance. Funding Challenge: South Sudan must contribute $9 million toward a $129 million Global Fund grant for HIV, TB and malaria programmes beginning in 2028. Meanwhile, the US CDC has closed its South Sudan office, raising concerns about disease surveillance and support for health workers. Local Care: Lainya County Referral Hospital has received medicines after reporting acute shortages. In flood-hit Fangak, MSF says displacement and insecurity leave many communities hours from the nearest working health facility.

Frontline Care: Médecins Sans Frontières has launched community paramedicine in flood-hit Fangak, where displacement and insecurity leave many residents hours from working clinics. Lainya County Referral Hospital has also received medicines from Central Equatoria’s health ministry, though the quantity was not disclosed. Health System Strain: Only 11% of South Sudan’s health facilities are highly functional, and aid cuts have closed two-thirds of primary healthcare centres in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. The US CDC’s South Sudan office has also shut, raising concern about support for disease surveillance and local health workers. Ebola Preparedness: Kenya has stepped up screening at Nairobi airport for travellers from South Sudan and nine other countries after confirming an imported Ebola case. The outbreak in neighbouring DR Congo has killed more than 4,000 people; the virus involved has no approved vaccine or treatment. Building the Workforce: Morobo County’s caretaker commissioner has pledged to support county-sponsored health students in Juba and address outstanding tuition, as the county faces a shortage of health professionals.

Food & Nutrition Crisis: The World Food Programme warns South Sudan could lose access to life-saving food and nutrition help for more than one million vulnerable people by October as stocks run dangerously low, with Malakal’s hub falling from 10,000 metric tonnes to under 300 tonnes amid conflict, displacement, and rising prices. Health System Under Strain: Only 11% of South Sudan’s health facilities are highly functional, while 18% are non-functional, and the health response plan is just 47% funded—leaving a 53% gap as outbreaks and malnutrition emergencies continue. Malaria Update: The Ministry of Health says 850,000 malaria cases were treated with first-line medicines in the first half of 2026, but malaria remains a leading cause of illness. Maternal Health: The Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of South Sudan launched a blood donation drive at Juba Teaching Hospital to help save mothers facing anemia and pregnancy complications needing urgent transfusions. Ebola Preparedness: UNMISS assessment teams have arrived in Yei to review security, health, and logistics ahead of a 250+ personnel deployment, with authorities stressing preparedness due to Ebola risks from nearby DRC. Access & Protection for Refugees: Refugees in South Sudan are calling for stronger protection and easier access to services, saying documentation and registration problems can lead to arrest and block healthcare for newly arrived people. Climate & Heat: The meteorological service advises residents to reduce prolonged heat exposure, with “Extreme Caution” heat stress across most payams even as some southern areas are forecast to be relatively cooler.

Health System Under Strain: Only 11% of South Sudan’s health facilities are highly functional, while 18% are non-functional, as the health response sits at 47% funding with a 53% gap—leaving millions needing care and services stretched. Nutrition & Malnutrition: Stabilization centres reported a 93.4% cure rate for children with severe acute malnutrition (with medical complications) from January to June 2026, but screening and outreach are slipping in some areas. Maternal Health: The Association of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of South Sudan (AGOSS) launched a blood donation drive at Juba Teaching Hospital to improve access to urgent transfusions for mothers, especially those with anemia and postpartum hemorrhage. Disease Preparedness: UNMISS assessment teams arrived in Yei to prepare for a 250+ personnel deployment, with Ebola preparedness emphasized due to Yei’s proximity to DR Congo. Malaria Update: The Ministry of Health says 850,000 malaria cases were treated with first-line medicines in the first half of 2026 through the Health Sector Transformation Project. Food Insecurity & Access: Food prices reportedly fell after the first harvest, but humanitarian updates still warn of severe needs—Warrap declared a humanitarian emergency for 210,000 people, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal saw two-thirds of primary health centres close due to aid cuts. Climate & Heat Risk: Weather forecasts point to relatively cooler conditions in parts of Central Equatoria, but heat stress remains a concern across many payams, with advice to reduce prolonged exposure and drink more water.

Malaria Update: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health says 850,000 malaria cases were treated with first-line medicines across the country in the first half of 2026, supported through the Health Sector Transformation Project and delivered via health facilities and community programmes. Food & Nutrition Crisis: Boma County in Greater Pibor remains in emergency acute food insecurity, with malnutrition affecting millions of children and pregnant or breastfeeding women nationwide, as health partners work to keep mothers and children linked to nutrition and essential services. Ebola Watch (Region): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is still devastating, with reports highlighting heavy child deaths and continued rapid spread—an urgent reminder for border preparedness. Health Preparedness: Western Equatoria health authorities are strengthening readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after a readiness assessment and inspections of isolation capacity near the border. Safety & Care: In Yei, a 20-year-old student is receiving treatment after surviving an arson attack, renewing concerns about insecurity and the need for continued medical support. Community Health & Protection: Women in Gondokoro Island are organizing for leadership and tackling gender-based violence, while domestic violence and inheritance rights remain major concerns. Health System Support: WHO reaffirms commitment to strengthening South Sudan’s health system as the country faces overlapping disease and nutrition pressures.

Food Insecurity Watch: South Sudan’s Boma County is facing emergency-level acute food insecurity, with IPC Phase 4 overall and pockets reaching catastrophe during lean periods; the Ministry of Health says it’s working with partners to help mothers and children access nutrition and health services. Malnutrition & Gender Impact: UN Women warns that an extra 11.7 million women and girls across 28 countries could face food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan named among the high-risk conflict-affected areas. Disease Preparedness: Western Equatoria is stepping up readiness for Bundibugyo virus disease after a DRC outbreak near the border; health teams inspected holding areas and a new 28-bed isolation unit at Nabiapai and Yambio State Hospital. Local Health & Community Support: Germany is funding five community projects for women and girls across Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal, including education, protection, menstrual health, and economic empowerment. Elections, Stability & Health Access: Returnees from Uganda’s Bidi Bidi settlement in Morobo are calling for peace and stability so they can vote and rebuild—citing shortages of food and medicine in camps. Juba Services Disruption: A power outage hit multiple areas of Juba after strong winds collapsed a billboard onto a medium-voltage line; repairs are underway with restoration expected by the morning of 5 October. Women’s Leadership: Women in Gondokoro Island say training and women-led groups are challenging gender norms, even as GBV, domestic violence, and inheritance rights remain major concerns.

Acute Malnutrition & Food Crisis: South Sudan’s Greater Pibor area remains in emergency-level acute food insecurity, with Boma County broadly in IPC Phase 4 and some pockets reaching Phase 5, as health authorities warn that 2.2 million children and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women across the country are affected by acute malnutrition. Cross-Border Disease Readiness: Western Equatoria health authorities stepped up preparedness for Bundibugyo virus disease after a worsening outbreak in DR Congo near the border, inspecting isolation capacity at Yambio State Hospital and Nabiapai entry points. Ebola Update (Regional Health Threat): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 8,300 confirmed cases and 4,018 deaths, with insecurity and community resistance complicating surveillance and response. Women, Girls & Rising Hunger: UN Women reports Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Health System Support for Women: Germany funded community projects in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal focused on education, protection, women’s economic empowerment and menstrual health. Disaster Preparedness: Juba’s recent heavy rains and strong winds are a warning to strengthen early-warning systems and protect vulnerable infrastructure ahead of the rainy months.

Cross-Border Disease Preparedness: Western Equatoria health authorities, with South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, WHO and partners, inspected Nabiapai entry points, Yambio State Hospital and a new 28-bed isolation unit as Bundibugyo virus disease continues to spread in the DRC near the border. Disability & Inclusion: A South Sudanese wheelchair athlete in Kenya, Michael Panther, plans to run the full 42km Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on 25 Oct 2026 to raise funds for custom wheelchairs for children. Food Security Warning: UN Women says Middle East escalation and Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push up food insecurity for an extra 11.7 million women and girls by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Ebola Update (Regional Health Threat): DRC Ebola deaths have risen to 4,018 with 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces; Africa CDC warns insecurity and community resistance may be hiding ongoing transmission. Women’s Economic & Health Support: Ecobank expands credit for women-owned businesses, including sectors like agribusiness, education and healthcare, with South Sudan included. Health System Funding Concern: The outgoing British Ambassador urged South Sudan to prioritize health and education funding over costly vehicle plans for lawmakers, noting gaps in support for the Health Systems Transformation Project.

Ebola Update (DR Congo): The DRC Ebola outbreak has killed 4,018 people and recorded 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, with UN reports saying a key patient transit centre in Ituri was burned—forcing 19,000 people to flee and raising fears of wider spread. Food & Nutrition (South Sudan): A UN Women analysis warns that Middle East escalation and shipping disruptions could push 11.7 million more women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk (about 1 in 7 women and girls). Heat Risk (South Sudan): The South Sudan Meteorological Service warns of extreme heat-stress above 40°C in parts of the north and northeast, urging people to drink water regularly, limit outdoor work, and protect children, older people, and pregnant women. Women’s Health & Rights (Central Equatoria): Germany is funding community projects in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal focused on education, protection, women’s economic empowerment, menstrual health, and community cohesion. Cholera Watch (Global): WHO reports cholera remains a major threat in conflict-affected countries, with South Sudan listed among the highest-case countries in 2025.

Standards & Digital Health Systems: South Sudan’s National Bureau of Standards moved into the final stage of its digital transformation, presenting an Enterprise Resource Planning system to improve efficiency, coordination, transparency and services. Health Funding & Women’s Wellness: Germany is funding five community projects for women and girls in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal, targeting education, protection, economic empowerment, menstrual health and community cohesion. Ebola Watch (Regional Risk): DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 4,018 people with 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces; UN reports a major treatment transit centre in Ituri was burned, forcing 19,000 people to flee, while Africa CDC warns insecurity and community resistance may hide ongoing spread. Food Security & Nutrition: UN Women says Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk; the report links higher prices to shipping disruptions and calls for targeted food, cash, nutrition and protection support. Climate & Public Health Preparedness: South Sudan Meteorological Service warns of extreme heat-stress above 40°C in parts of the north and northeast, urging hydration and limiting strenuous outdoor work. Local Governance & Health Leadership: Central Equatoria sworn in caretaker county leaders and appointed a caretaker Health minister, with elections and security highlighted as priorities.

Ebola Update (DRC): The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola death toll has climbed to 4,018 with 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces, as insecurity, weak infrastructure, and conflict near borders with South Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda keep response efforts under pressure. Public Health & Safety (South Sudan): South Sudan Meteorological Service warns of extreme heat-stress conditions in parts of the north and northeast, urging residents to drink water regularly and limit strenuous outdoor work during peak hours. Health Governance (Central Equatoria): The Central Equatoria caretaker governor has appointed seven caretaker state ministers, including a new caretaker Minister of Health, as the administration moves to strengthen key services. Food Security & Nutrition (Women & Girls): UN Women says Middle East escalation could push an additional 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk. Child Protection (Central Equatoria): Traditional chiefs in Central Equatoria commit to intensify community action to end child marriage and protect girls’ rights and health. Health Access (Kajo-Keji): A UK harvest appeal is raising funds for the Jehovah Rapha Healthcare Centre in Liwolo, Kajo-Keji, to support medicines, clean water, and frontline staff.

Food Security & Nutrition: UN Women warns Middle East escalation could push an extra 11.7 million women and girls into food insecurity by end-2026, with South Sudan facing the highest proportional risk (about 14% of the female population) as prices rise and women eat less and last. Women’s Economic Empowerment: Ecobank says it will lend $2 billion to women-owned businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, including South Sudan, using digital onboarding to bring informal traders into banking and focusing on agribusiness, education and healthcare. Health System Funding: UK envoy David Ashley urges South Sudan to prioritize health and education over costly plans to provide 900 MPs’ vehicles, noting a funding gap for the World Bank-backed Health Systems Transformation Project. Child Protection: Central Equatoria traditional chiefs commit to ending child marriage and protecting girls, calling for community action with families, institutions and civil society. Regional Health & Governance: EAC holds political confederation consultations in Rumbek, discussing peace, infrastructure, education and healthcare, with more consultations planned in Wau and Bor. Ebola Preparedness: National health authorities inspect an Ebola treatment center in Western Equatoria and reaffirm South Sudan remains Ebola-free, urging border screening and reporting of suspected cases. Cholera Watch: WHO reports global cholera deaths rose sharply in 2025, with South Sudan among the countries with the highest case burdens. Community Safety: A former youth leader in Yei River County calls out community and rights groups for silence amid reports of murder, robbery and rape, urging stronger public condemnation and accountability.

Cholera Watch: WHO reports global cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to the deadliest level since 1999, with South Sudan among the hardest-hit countries and many deaths occurring outside health facilities—highlighting the need for faster care and stronger water, sanitation, and hygiene. Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan’s health authorities inspected an Ebola treatment center in Yambio, reaffirming the country remains Ebola-free while border rapid response plans continue. Measles Push: Uganda begins a nationwide measles-rubella campaign targeting children 9 months to 5 years, warning communities against misinformation that could undermine vaccination coverage. Community Safety in Yei: A former youth leader in Yei River County says residents feel abandoned as reports of murder, robbery, and rape continue, calling for stronger public condemnation and child protection action. Domestic Violence and Schooling: In Yumbe, a 16-year-old girl told how domestic violence pushed her out of school, but a teacher helped her return—showing how protection and support can keep girls learning. Health Access Funding: UK clergy fundraising supports Jehovah Rapha Healthcare Centre in Kajo-Keji, as MSF plans to withdraw services by end of 2026, threatening access for remote communities. Elections and Health Governance: South Sudan reiterates “ballot must replace bullets” ahead of December elections, with calls for security, civic education, and inclusion of women, youth, and displaced people.

Ebola Readiness in Yambio: South Sudan’s national health authorities inspected an Ebola treatment center in Western Equatoria’s Nabiapai area, saying the country remains Ebola-free while border rapid response plans are in place and officials urge screening and reporting of suspected cases. Cholera Warning from WHO: WHO reports cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to 7,870—the highest since 1999—despite fewer reported cases, with South Sudan among the countries accounting for most of the burden; WHO stresses prompt treatment and stronger water, sanitation and hygiene. Measles Push in the Region: Uganda begins a nationwide measles-rubella campaign (Oct 1–5) targeting children 9 months to 5 years, using village-to-village mobilization to close immunity gaps and prevent outbreaks. Community Health & Protection: UNMISS-supported dialogue in Greater Pibor brings Anyuak and Murle leaders together to reduce insecurity and rebuild trust—key for safer access to services. Elections and Health Security: South Sudan reiterates that the December elections must be protected and that “the ballot must replace the bullets,” with security and institutions highlighted as prerequisites for public safety.

Ebola Preparedness in Yambio: South Sudan’s national health authorities inspected an Ebola treatment center in Nabiapai, Western Equatoria, saying the country remains Ebola-free while border rapid-response plans are in place. Measles Risk Ahead of Vaccination: Authorities warned communities against sabotage and misinformation as measles vaccination preparations ramp up, with Uganda starting a measles-rubella campaign to close immunity gaps. Cholera Deaths Climb: WHO reports global cholera deaths rose 30% in 2025 to 7,870, with Africa hit hardest and South Sudan among the countries accounting for most reported cases and deaths. Ebola Travel Curbs Extended: Canada extended Ebola-related immigration and travel restrictions affecting people connected to the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan until Nov. 27, keeping many immigration documents suspended. Health Capacity Building: A regional research push led by Makerere aims to strengthen clinical trials and epidemic preparedness across South Sudan and other African countries. Local Health Action: Juba City Council stepped up sanitation efforts, urging residents to keep the city clean to reduce disease risks.