By Sr. Laurencila, FSSA.
The Catholic Organization for Development and Peace has issued an Alert and Advisory Notice Directing the Wholeness and Wellness Health Service Department, St. Theresa Mission Hospital, Health Workers, Community leaders, and the General Public to heighten alertness and preparedness measures following recent reports of Ebola Epidemic outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in areas near South Sudan’s borders.
In a directive issued on May 26, 2026, Reverend Father Charles Mbikoyo, Director of CODEP, acknowledged that although no confirmed cases have yet been reported in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio area, the risk of cross-border transmission remains serious due to frequent population movement within the region.
Father Mbikoyo emphasized that communities cannot remain passive or unprepared in the face of this potential health threat, calling for immediate action to safeguard public health and institutional preparedness.
Directive Instructions
The Wholeness and Wellness Health Service Department has been instructed to strengthen surveillance and early detection mechanisms within all health facilities and communities, intensify public awareness and health education on Ebola symptoms, prevention measures, hygiene practices, and the importance of early reporting, prepare emergency response teams and isolation readiness in collaboration with health authorities, and encourage the population to remain calm but vigilant while avoiding unnecessary panic.
The directive also calls for full cooperation, coordination, and communication with the Office of the State Minister of Health and all relevant government and humanitarian health partners, as well as mobilization of community leaders, churches, schools, and local structures to support prevention campaigns and responsible community behavior.
Public Health Guidance
CODEP has urged the population to avoid unnecessary contact with suspected infected persons or bodies, maintain proper handwashing and sanitation practices, report unusual sicknesses immediately to the nearest health facility, and avoid spreading rumors or misinformation that could fuel panic or undermine public health efforts.
Spiritual and Community Response
While directing practical health measures, Father Mbikoyo also called upon all people to continue praying for God’s protection, mercy, healing, and guidance over communities, health workers, neighboring countries, and the nation as communities do in moments of danger and uncertainty. He prayed that the Lord will preserve His people from suffering and strengthen all those serving on the frontlines of health response.
The director emphasized that as people of faith and service, the community must respond with wisdom, discipline, solidarity, and compassion, noting that preparedness today can save many lives tomorrow.
Context and Significance
The alert comes as the Ebola virus continues to pose periodic threats in Central and West Africa. While the current outbreak is in neighboring DRC, the geographic proximity and cross-border population movement make Western Equatoria State potentially vulnerable to disease transmission.
CODEP’s proactive approach reflects lessons learned from previous disease outbreaks and represents responsible public health stewardship. By issuing guidance before cases appear in the diocese, health authorities can establish surveillance systems, train personnel, and prepare communities to respond quickly if cases are identified.
The involvement of community leaders, churches, schools, and local structures in the preparedness campaign recognizes that effective public health response requires mobilization of all community institutions and that religious organizations, in particular, have credibility and reach that can support health messaging.
The directive’s emphasis on avoiding panic while maintaining vigilance reflects the balance necessary during health emergencies—communities need to take threats seriously and follow protective measures without descending into fear that could lead to harmful behaviors or rejection of health authorities.
As South Sudan continues to strengthen its health systems and disease surveillance capacity, proactive responses to potential outbreaks like the Ebola alert issued by CODEP contribute to building resilience and reducing vulnerability to infectious disease threats.
Health workers are encouraged to contact CODEP at Tel: +211-923642220 or +211918697089, or by email at directorcodep1912@gmail.com for additional information, guidance, or resource requests related to Ebola preparedness and response.
