Key Considerations: Cross-Border Dynamics Between South Sudan and DRC in the Context of the Bundibugyo Ebolavirus Outbreak

<jats:p>The current outbreak of Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV), confirmed in Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 15 May 2026, poses risks to neighbouring countries. Uganda reported cases on the same day in travellers from DRC, highlighting the threat of cross-border transmission driven by porous borders, displacement, conflict and strong social and trade ties. Although South Sudan has not reported cases at the time of writing (13 August 2026),1 it has strengthened preparedness efforts, particularly in the Southern Greater Equatoria region (Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria and Western Equatoria states of South Sudan), due to its shared border with affected areas in DRC and Uganda.2,3 The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasise a mobility-sensitive and cross-border approach informed by previous cross-border Ebola outbreaks.4 The approach incorporates population movements and protection needs to support targeted context-sensitive interventions at border crossings, along transport routes, and other high-risk locations. This brief updates previous analyses from the Social Science in Humanitarian Action Platform (SSHAP),5–7 and builds on consultations with co-authors and reviewers, web searches and reviews of newspaper coverage to highlight key socioeconomic and political considerations in the South Sudan–DRC borderlands that shape Ebola preparedness and response. It focuses on cross-border livelihoods, mobility, security, and healthcare-seeking with particular attention to preparedness and socioeconomic consequences of cross-border health measures, on the South Sudan side of the border. Complementary research from the Ituri Collective and the Multi-Hazard Response Network provide additional context on DRC.8–11</jats:p>