South Sudan, Uganda agree to ease cross-border activities during health emergencies

What the report says

South Sudan and Uganda have agreed to ease border procedures during health emergencies, according to The Independent Uganda’s report citing Xinhua. The arrangement was formalized in Juba, South Sudan, on Monday evening, when the two countries’ health ministers signed a memorandum of understanding to improve cross-border disease surveillance, outbreak response and regional health security.

The agreement is designed to allow health workers, emergency vehicles and medical supplies to move more quickly across the shared border by reducing administrative delays. South Sudan’s Vice President for the Service Cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, said his government would speed up temporary visa and work permit waivers for emergency personnel. South Sudan Health Minister Luke Thompson Thoan Teny said the pact turns earlier cooperation into a more structured rapid-response system, warning that small outbreaks can become regional threats if not handled quickly.

Uganda Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said the deal is especially important because of frequent movement across the border and lessons from previous epidemics. He urged both sides to move quickly from signing to implementation and to set out clear responsibilities and resources. The agreement also provides for real-time data sharing, mutual outbreak alerts, joint contact tracing, standardized screening at border points and coordination of mobile health units.

The report also noted broader preparedness plans in South Sudan, including identified high-risk counties and priority border entry points, as well as funding needs for laboratories, supplies and surveillance.