We Are Preparing South Sudan’s Frontline Health Workers for Ebola

“Ebola is deadly, and it’s spreading. We need to be prepared before it reaches us,” says Zain ul Abedin, Country Director for International Medical Corps in South Sudan. “As we do with any outbreak of infectious disease, we are working closely with the Ministry of Health and our partners, training our staff and local health workers, and assessing health facilities, so we—and they—are ready to respond the moment that an emergency arises.”

In South Sudan, where there are only about 560 doctors for more than 12 million people, International Medical Corps’ work is critical—especially during crises. In addition to ongoing conflict and displacement, the country is facing a deepening hunger crisis that already has pushed 7.8 million people—56% of the population—into high levels of acute food insecurity, making the population especially vulnerable to disease.

Here are a few photos showing how our teams are helping South Sudan prepare for Ebola.

“Preparedness is our first line of defense against Ebola,” says Dr. Ebadullah Hedayat, Medical Director. “Through targeted training, we are equipping health workers and Ministry of Health staff with the skills they need to quickly identify cases, protect themselves and their patients, and stop the spread before it escalates.”

Brian Yagoib, an expert from the National Public Health Institute (NPHI) (right), teaches Ministry of Health staff how to wear PPE properly.

Dr. Ebadullah Hedayat leads a handwashing demonstration for staff members from the IDU in Juba.

Dr. James Ruot, Medical Coordinator, leads a training session for the Ministry of Health’s Infectious Disease Unit (IDU) staff in Juba on the Ebola surveillance, alert and reporting system.

Health workers from the Ministry of Health’s IDU in Juba practice handwashing techniques.

“Our approach is rooted in partnership,” explains Fisseha Woldeyes, Country Programs Director in South Sudan. “Based on the South Sudan Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness and Response Plan, and through joint assessments and rehabilitation efforts with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, we are strengthening the system’s ability to respond quickly and safely in the event of an outbreak.”

As Ebola spreads across the region, International Medical Corps is implementing a coordinated, multi-faceted response. We are training frontline health workers, providing care for suspected and confirmed patients, delivering critical protective equipment, strengthening health facilities, constructing Ebola Treatment Centers and working with our partners to respond to this devastating disease.

While assessing the IDU in Juba, officials examine all areas of the facility, including isolation areas and bathrooms.

International Medical Corps staff members are joined by officials from the World Health Organization, South Sudan’s Ministry of Health and partner organizations as they conduct a joint assessment of the IDU in Juba, evaluating whether it could be converted to an Ebola Treatment Center.

To find out the latest about our Ebola response, visit our Ebola Response Hub. To learn more about Ebola and why this outbreak is different, read Ebola Outbreak in the DRC and Region: What You Need to Know.