As Ebola risks grew in neighboring DRC and Uganda, South Sudan’s national health team moved fast. Through Resolve to Save Lives’ Country Connected Leadership Initiative, the team built direct relationships with senior political and technical contacts, enabling WhatsApp and phone communication that cut through slower formal channels.
The result was two Ministry of Health press releases within days, traveler screening at Juba International Airport, a high-level outbreak committee directive and daily coordination in high-risk border counties. For the first time, journalists received on-the-job orientation during an active preparedness effort, supporting more accurate public reporting.
The Country Connected Leadership Initiative also strengthened cross-border coordination, connecting South Sudan’s border health team directly with their counterparts in DRC and Uganda. These connections translated relationships into action, faster than ever before.
