UNICEF seeks $4.3mln for Ebola prevention in South Sudan

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said Monday it requires 4.3 million U.S. dollars to fund Ebola virus disease (EVD) prevention and preparedness activities in South Sudan until the end of September.

The UN agency, which said it is ramping up Ebola prevention efforts after South Sudan has been assessed as "high-risk" country, said only 14 percent has been funded to date.

Since January 2019, UNICEF and its partners have engaged more than 3 million people in South Sudan with Ebola prevention messages. 

UNICEF is also supporting the national Ebola preparedness efforts in South Sudan which, if adequately funded, will enable South Sudan to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an Ebola outbreak in the country. 

This week marks one year since the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has so far killed more than 1,700 people.

UNICEF South Sudan Communications Officer, Helene Sandbu Ryeng spoke to Irene Lasu in this interview.