CHOLERA Cross Border Workshop South Sudan and Uganda

Introduction and rationale

Communicable diseases, including cholera, have historically transmitted across the border, as in August 2016 when a cholera outbreak in Juba spread to Pagirinya refugees’ settlement in Adjumani, and those around Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe district. UNICEF and other partners supported the outbreak response, which led to the containment of the outbreak in less than two months. The situation is aggravated by weak surveillance systems and limited information sharing on disease outbreaks including cholera, and lack of a formalized cross-border cholera coordination framework (including regular information sharing) between the South Sudanese and Ugandan governments where outbreaks are reported every year. In 2017, a total of 17,264 (and 369 deaths) cholera cases in South Sudan and 438 cases (and 3 deaths) in Uganda were reported. There is a need of strengthened collaboration between the two countries in the areas of surveillance, information sharing, preparedness and response including coordination mechanisms.

Objectives
Strengthen cross border cholera preparedness and response between South Sudan and Uganda
Develop / Formalize coordination and information sharing mechanisms between South Sudan and Uganda
Expected results

1. A mechanism on sharing regular and current epidemiological information between the two countries formalized.
2. A mechanism to monitor cholera outbreak preparedness and response cross-border activities between the two countries is established
3. Communication channels between affected countries through designated focal points (that will be confirmed at the meeting) established.
4. Findings of the South Sudan cholera epidemiological study disseminated.
5. Relevant preparedness and response plans shared between the two countries.
6. Cross border coordination mechanisms defined and established and factors to trigger the coordination mechanism agreed upon