AGP Executive Report

Ebola Watch (DRC): WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has slowed but hasn’t “bent the curve,” with 5,656 confirmed cases and 2,715 deaths reported, as insecurity, unsafe burials and population movement keep transmission going. Regional Health Security: Central African countries including South Sudan agreed in Bangui to strengthen cross-border preparedness and coordination to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread. South Sudan Nutrition Support: Japan and WFP signed a $2.2m deal to deliver lifesaving food and nutrition assistance to nearly 40,000 women and children facing acute malnutrition, as 7.8 million people face food insecurity. Aid Integrity (RRC): Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s RRC warned the public against selling humanitarian supplies like Plumpy’Nut, saying buyers and sellers could face legal action. Water & Health Risk: Civil society warns of a worsening water shortage in Kapoeta East’s mining settlement, raising disease concerns and calling for emergency water supplies and health assessments. Ebola Preparedness (South Sudan): South Sudan is stepping up border surveillance and health facility readiness for a possible Ebola outbreak linked to ongoing risk from the DRC. Safety for Care: UNMISS reported an ambush on a convoy in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven, underlining the danger facing health and humanitarian operations.

UN & Security: South Sudan condemned an August 24 ambush on a UNMISS convoy in Jonglei that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven others, and promised a joint probe to identify and prosecute the attackers. Public Health & Safety: With Ebola still raging in the DRC, South Sudan is stepping up preparedness—more surveillance, screening at entry points, training health workers, and preparing facilities—while UN partners stress protecting aid teams moving supplies. Water & Disease Risk: Civil society in Kapoeta East warns of a worsening water crisis in a gold-mining area, where residents may travel hours or sleep at water points, raising fears of outbreaks. Violence & Health Access: In West Nile’s Imvepi Refugee Settlement, riots left two refugees dead and 37 arrested after clashes tied to refugee welfare council leadership. Health Care Under Attack: An op-ed highlights how attacks on hospitals and health workers are being tallied across conflict zones, with South Sudan named among the hardest-hit contexts. Ebola Travel Rules: The US introduced tighter boarding restrictions for travellers with recent DRC travel histories, affecting routes that include Uganda and South Sudan too. Health System Capacity: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced fully funded TVET scholarships for 15 students in Algeria, including a required medical clearance certificate.

Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up readiness for a possible Ebola outbreak after the virus continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with plans to boost surveillance, screen travellers at entry points, prepare facilities, train health workers, and raise public awareness. Global Health Security: The U.S. has introduced tighter Ebola-related travel rules, including a ban on boarding flights to the U.S. for anyone who has been in the DRC within 21 days, adding pressure on regional movement and health planning. Health in Conflict: A UNMISS ambush in Jonglei killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and injured seven, while a separate WHO-focused report highlights how attacks on healthcare across conflict zones are leaving hospitals short of medicine and care. Violence and Health Risks: In Warrap, a woman survived a suspected throat-slitting attack but lost her unborn baby after being airlifted for surgery in Juba. Water Safety: Egypt-backed solar groundwater support is being commissioned at the University of Juba, aiming to improve access to safer drinking water for tens of thousands.

Ebola Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up preparations for a possible Ebola spillover from the DRC, with no confirmed cases reported so far; plans include stronger border surveillance and screening, readying health facilities, training staff, boosting supplies, and public awareness, as UN partners also urge protection for humanitarian workers after Ebola supplies were reportedly abducted in Libogo. Ebola Outbreak Pressure: Across the border, the DRC Ebola crisis is accelerating—over 5,500 confirmed cases and thousands of deaths—prompting WHO and Africa CDC to call for scaled-up action, faster contact tracing, and stronger community response as the outbreak spreads into more provinces. Security & Health Access: Two UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in Jonglei, with seven others injured, underlining how violence can disrupt aid and medical support just as elections approach. Water & Health: A solar-powered groundwater station commissioned at the University of Juba highlights a key wellness issue: nearby water isn’t always safe or affordable, as families still struggle with salty or unreliable supplies. Justice for Youth: A mobile court at Juba Central Prison helped fast-track long-stalled juvenile cases, improving access to justice for vulnerable detainees. Health Workforce Support: Uganda is set to send health workers to support Ebola response in South Sudan, aiming to strengthen frontline capacity. Mental Health & Leadership: A Catholic bishop urged voters to elect more women, linking leadership gaps to rising mental distress among citizens. Education Scholarships: South Sudanese students can apply for 150 Algerian scholarships (applications open Aug 24, close Sept 4), including a required medical certificate and authenticated school documents. Humanitarian Safety: UN and aid groups continue to stress protection for aid workers as attacks and insecurity rise.

Ebola Preparedness: East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) launched a six-month emergency push at 33 border points of entry along 16 trade and migration corridors to help frontline teams detect, isolate and report suspected Ebola cases from DRC. Frontline Health Workers: Reports from DRC’s Ebola response describe nurses and hygiene staff facing fear of infection and unpaid work, adding pressure to an already strained system. South Sudan Health Supply: The South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief urged partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health after UNDP/UNICEF and Global Fund financing helped inaugurate the Gombo Central Medical Store for dry commodities. Water Safety: A solar-powered groundwater station financed by Egypt was commissioned at the University of Juba, but earlier reporting highlights a key gap: nearby water can still be unsafe or unaffordable when roads and access fail. Justice Access for Youth: A Mobile Court at Juba Central Prison helped juveniles and gender-based violence survivors get cases heard after years of stalled hearings. Conflict and Care: UNMISS said two peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in Jonglei, underscoring how insecurity disrupts protection and humanitarian work. Tambura Recovery: In Tambura, fragile calm remains, with families still struggling to access farmland, healthcare, schools and basic supplies after years of violence. Religious Violence: A Christian mother in Somalia was seriously injured after being beaten for converting to Christianity, highlighting ongoing risks for faith communities.

Ebola Response in Focus: The UN says the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is growing “exponentially,” with deaths now topping 2,500 and half recorded in the last 20 days, while MSF warns the epidemic is moving faster than the response can keep up. Cross-Border Preparedness: East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) has launched a six-month emergency push at 33 border points of entry along major trade and migration corridors to help teams detect, isolate and report suspected cases before they spread. Frontline Health Worker Strain: Reports from the ground in DRC describe treatment-centre staff facing fear of infection and unpaid work, adding pressure to an already overwhelmed system. South Sudan Health Supply Boost: South Sudan’s HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chief urged partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health as a new Gombo Central Medical Store (dry commodities extension) was inaugurated using Global Fund financing via UNDP and UNICEF. Drug Control: Northern Bahr El Ghazal police say they’ve seized over 653 cartons of tramadol/“Longo,” targeting young sellers and warning of harm to communities. Health Access via Transport: A Runway Run/Walk in Waterloo is set to raise funds for medical flights, citing South Sudan cases where children need specialist care unavailable at home. Climate & Food Security: In Uganda’s Karamoja, El Niño-linked drought has left over 600,000 people food insecure, highlighting how weather shocks can quickly become health risks.

Ebola Alert (DRC): The UN says the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is growing “exponentially,” with over 2,500 deaths and half recorded in the last 20 days, as MSF warns the response is being outpaced. Regional Health Security: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month cross-border Ebola intervention at 33 priority border points along 16 trade and migration corridors, including routes linked to South Sudan, to strengthen early detection, isolation, and rapid reporting. South Sudan Preparedness: UN humanitarian officials visited Yei to assess Ebola readiness; they inspected an Ebola preparedness centre in Libogo Boma and praised partner coordination, noting no Ebola cases reported in South Sudan. Health Supply Chain: South Sudan’s Gombo Central Medical Store (dry commodities extension) was inaugurated with UNDP/UNICEF support using Global Fund financing, with HIV/AIDS Commission leadership urging partners to keep backing the Ministry of Health. Local Health Services: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil toured Lainya, Yei, Morobo and Wundura, commissioning facilities and upgrading Lainya Hospital and Yei Civil Hospital to improve care access. Drug Control: Northern Bahr El Ghazal police say they seized 653 cartons of tramadol/“Longo” and vowed tougher action against illicit drug dealers. Scholarships: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced 150 Algerian scholarship opportunities for 2026/2027, with applications opening Aug. 24 and closing Sept. 4 in Juba.

Ebola Crisis in DRC: The UN says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is growing “exponentially,” with more than 2,500 deaths and half of them in the last 20 days, as MSF warns the epidemic is spreading faster than the response can keep up. Cross-Border Preparedness: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month emergency push at 33 border points of entry across trade and migration corridors, including routes involving South Sudan, to help teams detect, isolate, and report suspected cases faster. Vaccines for Frontline Protection: DRC has received an initial 70,000 doses of Ervebo, with part earmarked for a Phase III trial against Bundibugyo virus and the rest for frontline and health workers. South Sudan Health Supply Boost: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health inaugurated a new $365,000 medical warehouse in Gumbo, adding about 1,400 metric tons of storage to improve access to key commodities like malaria nets. HIV/AIDS Commission Call: The HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chair urged international partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health to safeguard health-sector investments. Local Health & Safety: Northern Bahr el Ghazal police say they seized over 6,500 cartons of tramadol/“Longo” and warned clinics are being used as distribution points. Health Workforce Stress in Ebola Frontlines: Reports from DRC describe frontline health workers facing fear and unpaid wages amid the outbreak. Health Access via Regional Support: Uganda plans to send health workers to support Ebola response efforts, citing close movement between Uganda, South Sudan, and DRC. Education Opportunity: South Sudan’s Higher Education Ministry announced 150 scholarship opportunities in Algeria for 2026/2027, with applications opening Aug. 24.

Ebola Response (DRC): The UN says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is growing “exponentially,” with over 2,500 deaths and half of them in the last 20 days, as MSF warns the epidemic is moving faster than the response. Regional Border Health: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month emergency push at 33 priority points of entry along DRC trade and migration corridors, including routes through South Sudan, to help border teams detect, isolate, and report suspected cases. Vaccine Update (DRC): DRC has received 70,000 Ervebo doses, with 20,000 earmarked for a Phase III trial for the Bundibugyo strain and the rest for frontline and health workers. South Sudan Health Supply Chain: South Sudan’s Ministry of Health inaugurated a new $365,000 medical storage facility in Gumbo to boost dry-commodity capacity by about 1,400 metric tons, improving access to essentials like malaria nets. Frontline Health Workers (DRC): Aid and treatment staff in Ituri report fear and stress, with some saying they have not been paid for months. Local Health System (Yei): UN humanitarian officials assessed Ebola preparedness in Yei River County, noting Ebola has not been reported in South Sudan. Public Health Leadership (South Sudan): The HIV/AIDS Commission deputy chair urged partners to keep supporting the Ministry of Health to safeguard health-sector investments. Security & Health Access (Upper Nile): Upper Nile plans a peace and reconciliation conference to protect the Sobat Corridor, crucial for moving food and medical supplies. Health Crime Crackdown (Northern Bahr el Ghazal): Police say they seized over 653 cartons of tramadol/“Longo” and vowed stronger action against illicit drug dealers. Leadership Loss (South Sudan): President Kiir eulogised former finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, who died in Juba after cardiac arrest.

Ebola Response: The DRC’s Ebola outbreak is growing “exponentially,” with UN figures citing 2,500+ deaths and half in the last 20 days, while MSF warns the epidemic is spreading faster than the response. Regional Preparedness: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month cross-border Ebola plan at 33 entry points along the DRC border, including South Sudan, with border health teams, digital surveillance, isolation protocols, and lab transport. Vaccines & Care: DRC received an initial 70,000 Ervebo vaccine doses for the Bundibugyo outbreak—20,000 for a Phase III trial and 50,000 for frontline and health workers. South Sudan Health Systems: South Sudan inaugurated a new $365,000 medical warehouse in Gumbo to expand storage for essential dry commodities, aiming to strengthen the national supply chain. Frontline Worker Strain: In the DRC, Ebola frontline health workers report fear and stress, with some saying they are not being paid—adding pressure to already stretched services. Water & Women’s Health: Western Equatoria handed over three boreholes in Yambio, and Lakes State launched a fistula treatment campaign to bring surgery closer to women who currently must travel far.

Ebola Preparedness: ECSA-HC has launched a six-month cross-border Ebola emergency push at 33 priority entry points along the DRC border, equipping border health teams with digital surveillance, isolation protocols, lab transport and cross-border notifications—targeting high-risk corridors that include South Sudan. Ebola Crisis Escalation: UN and MSF officials warn the DRC outbreak is growing “exponentially,” with deaths surpassing 2,500 and half recorded in the last 20 days, as conflict and weak health systems slow the response. Regional Border Controls: Ten countries in East, Central and Southern Africa, including South Sudan, have stepped up screening, drills and infection control at borders to detect and refer suspected cases faster. South Sudan Health Supply: The Ministry of Health inaugurated a new $365,000 medical warehouse in Gumbo, adding 1,400 metric tons of storage to strengthen the supply chain for key commodities like malaria nets. Humanitarian Access: Upper Nile plans a peace and reconciliation conference to reopen the Sobat corridor for aid delivery, after insecurity and checkpoints disrupted health services. Women’s Health Services: Lakes State launched a week-long fistula treatment campaign at Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital, aiming to bring care closer to affected women.

Ebola Alert (DR Congo): The UN says DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “growing exponentially,” with over 2,500 deaths and half reported in the last 20 days, as MSF warns the spread is outpacing the response. Health Supply Chain (South Sudan): South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has opened a new $365,000 medical storage facility in Gumbo, adding 1,400 metric tons of capacity to reduce reliance on costly private warehouses, including for malaria nets and dry commodities. Aid Access (Upper Nile): Upper Nile State plans a peace and reconciliation conference to reopen the Sobat Corridor for humanitarian aid and medical supplies, after insecurity and checkpoints repeatedly disrupted services. Humanitarian Safety (South Sudan): On World Humanitarian Day, the UN reports at least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors killed in South Sudan since January, with 450+ attacks on aid workers and assets in the first half of the year. Water & Public Health (Yambio): Three boreholes were handed over to Hai Gabat community in Yambio, with leaders urging protection and maintenance of the new water points. Security & Care (Bor): Six Ugandan truck drivers are reported missing after armed men abducted them and seized trucks in Bor Town, with injured drivers receiving treatment in local health facilities.

Ebola Travel Alerts: The U.S. updated Ebola-related entry rules, warning travelers who were in DR Congo within 21 days not to board flights to the U.S., and restricting Uganda and South Sudan arrivals to four airports. Humanitarian Safety: On World Humanitarian Day, the UN and partners highlighted escalating attacks on aid and healthcare workers in South Sudan, saying at least 36 aid workers and contractors have been killed since January and violence incidents have surged. Healthcare Under Fire: MSF unveiled a mural in Geneva urging an end to attacks on hospitals and health staff, stressing that “protection written on paper” is failing in conflict zones. Local Health & Security: Central Equatoria Governor Emmanuel Adil vowed to crack down on illegal artisanal mining and armed groups, linking insecurity to blocked access to basic services including healthcare. Bor Truck Horror: In Jonglei, six Ugandan drivers reportedly went missing after armed men hijacked trucks in Bor; injured drivers were treated at health facilities. E. Equatoria Incident: In Imehejek, a teenager was killed during an abduction and rescue attempt, raising concerns for child safety near health facilities. Leadership Loss: Former finance minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit died in Juba after complications from a diabetic coma, with family citing cardio-pulmonary arrest.

Aid Worker Safety: On World Humanitarian Day, the UN says at least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed in South Sudan since January—already more than the 31 killed in all of 2025—along with 450+ violence incidents against aid workers and assets between January and July, urging investigations and accountability. Ebola Preparedness & Risk: The US warns the Ebola response in Africa faces a “long and challenging” road ahead as the DRC outbreak becomes the deadliest in its history, with WHO saying it is far from under control and still spreading fast—raising concerns for neighboring areas including South Sudan. Local Security & Health Access: Reports from Bor, Jonglei State say six Ugandan truck drivers are missing after armed men hijacked trucks at fish trading sites; injured drivers were taken to health facilities, while fears of further attacks are disrupting movement and services. Climate & Health: New IGAD ICPAC forecasts suggest a drier August–September in South Sudan before wetter conditions return in Oct–Dec, bringing a mix of crop and water stress risks now and possible flooding later. Health Workforce Advocacy: ICN highlights ongoing attacks on health professionals and launches a #NursesforPeace bulletin calling for an urgent end to violence against nurses, patients, and health facilities.

World Humanitarian Day: The UN marked 19 August by warning that South Sudan is becoming deadlier for aid work. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Ramanathan Balakrishnan said at least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed since January—already above the 31 killed in all of 2025—and reported 450+ violence incidents against aid workers and assets between January and July. He urged investigations and accountability, and called for safe, unhindered access to civilians. Health & Safety for Care Teams: The International Council of Nurses (ICN) used the day to launch its #NursesforPeace bulletin, calling for an urgent end to attacks on health professionals, patients, and health facilities. Ebola Alert for the Region: WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” with nearly 5,000 cases and 2,300+ deaths reported across six provinces, and warns it could spread further—fuelled by insecurity, displacement, and intense population movement. Maternal Health: South Sudan’s Gender Minister Angelina Mario launched an obstetric fistula treatment campaign at Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital, urging communities to protect girls from early marriage and pregnancy and noting a major surgery gap nationwide. Policy & Access: The Transitional National Legislative Assembly ratified a South Sudan–Saudi Arabia cooperation agreement, clearing the way for sector ministries to pursue investments in areas like agriculture and mining. Climate & Health Risks: IGAD’s ICPAC forecasts a drier August–September with later rainfall that could improve water and pasture but also raise flood and waterlogging risks.

Ebola Update (DRC): WHO says the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak is “far from being under control,” with deaths now surpassing 2,300 and cases nearing 5,000 across multiple provinces—fuelled by insecurity, displacement, and intense movement along roads, rivers, and mining routes. South Sudan Preparedness: South Sudan is stepping up Ebola surveillance along the porous DRC border, with health workers screening hundreds of people daily at key crossings while UN partners push coordination to prevent entry. Humanitarian Safety (World Humanitarian Day): On Aug. 19, UN and partners marked World Humanitarian Day amid warnings that attacks on aid workers and healthcare staff are rising; in South Sudan, 36 humanitarian staff and contractors have been killed since January, already above 2025 totals. Maternal Health (Obstetric fistula): The Gender minister launched an obstetric fistula treatment campaign at Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital, highlighting a major surgery gap—tens of thousands affected but fewer than 1,000 surgeries done annually. Climate & Health Risks: IGAD forecasts a drier Aug–Sept with hotter conditions, then wetter weather later in the year—raising both crop and water stress risks and later flooding and waterlogging concerns.