On the Real Frontline: Protecting Health Workers and Preventing the Spread of Ebola

The Democratic Republic of Congo is in the grip of its 17th Ebola outbreak, this time driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Health authorities officially declared the outbreak on 15 May 2026, with the first cases traced back to Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province. Since then, the situation has spiraled far beyond its original borders — it's now considered the largest Ebola outbreak the DRC has ever seen. The WHO says transmission remains intense and ongoing across several provinces, and the virus has already crossed into Uganda.

While no cases have been reported in South Sudan at this stage, the Ministry of Health and health partners have intensified Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness efforts, particularly in high-risk border areas and locations experiencing population movement from the DRC.

Humanitarian and health workers are on the real frontline. Across the affected and high-risk areas, they are conducting entry-point screening, community-based surveillance, risk communication, health education and other critical activities to promote early detection and prevent further transmission.

In Western Equatoria State, particularly Yambio, Ezo and Tombura, frontline health and humanitarian workers are operating in an increasingly challenging environment. Armed conflict, insecurity and road ambushes frequently restrict access and disrupt the delivery of essential health and humanitarian services.

As we commemorate World Humanitarian Day, we are reminded that humanitarian workers including community health workers and volunteers, are there to serve and protect communities at their most vulnerable moments. They must be protected and must never be targeted in armed conflict.

At this critical time, the protection of humanitarian and health workers is not only a matter of humanitarian principle, but it is also essential to protecting communities and preventing the spread of Ebola.

World Vision stands in solidarity with the humanitarian community and calls for the protection of humanitarian workers, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and respect for the humanitarian principles that allow frontline workers to reach every community in need.

Op-ed by Mesfin Loha, Country Director World Vision South Sudan