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Explainer: Ebola outbreak in Uganda, what it means for South Sudan, and how to stay safe.

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Writer: Makur Majeng

Uganda’s Ministry of Health, in its report on 30 January 2025, confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola in the capital, Kampala, with one fatality recorded. The patient in question was a 32-year-old male nurse who displayed great internal bleeding and multiple organ failure, which included high fever, chest pain, and most importantly, difficulty in breathing before he succumbed to death at Mulago Hospital. 

Ugandan health investigators have established close contact tracing of 44 people, including 30 healthcare workers among them. The outbreak of the Sudan Ebola virus is concerning because there is no approved vaccine for the variant.

This is not the first time Uganda has experienced an Ebola outbreak, but it has been on and off since the early 2000s and recently.

Sudan Ebola Virus image; Source: Africa CDC

Because of its proximity to Uganda and the frequent movement of people between the two countries, there is concern about the containment of any further cross-border transmission of the disease by the authorities in South Sudan.

This article further looks at what Ebola is, how it originated, how it is prevented, and the actions the Ministry of Health in South Sudan has taken to counter the virus before reaching the country.

What is the Ebola virus?

It is an acute infectious, deadly illness that affects humans and non-human primates that is caused by one of the members of the family of Filoviridae, ebolavirus. The Ebola class, as a hemorrhagic fever, means great internal bleeding, lots of exterior skin bleeding, organ failure, and in many cases triggers death.

There are six strains of the Ebola virus acknowledged, four other forms of which can cause an infection in monkeys:

  • Zaire ebolavirus (the deadliest and most common due to vaccines),
  • Sudan ebolavirus ( SUDV) (the one which caused the outbreak in Uganda: There is no vaccine currently approved. ),
  • Bundibugyo ebolavirus,
  • Taï Forest ebolavirus.
  • Reston ebolavirus (affects non-humans but does not participate in the epidemic among human beings).
  • Bombali ebolavirus (is found in bats; there are yet no officially known cases of people infected).

Ebola is commonly spread through direct contact with any of the bodily fluids of an infected person: blood, saliva, urine, vomit, sweat, faeces, breast milk, or semen. Contaminated surfaces and any piece of contaminated medical equipment also allow transmission; hence, the tendency to be a high-risk area.

How Did Ebola Come About?

In 1976, the first recorded outbreak of Ebola occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) near the Ebola River, from where it gets its name. The virus is thought to have originated from fruit bats, which serve as natural hosts. Ebola is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans, typically through contact with already infected animals such as chimpanzees, monkeys, gorillas, or becoming infected through bushmeat.

The Ebola outbreak occurred mainly in Central and West Africa, which has seen serious outbreaks in the DRC, Uganda, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

What are the Ebola symptoms?

As stated by the WHO, Ebola symptoms occur between 2 and 21 days after infection and worsen rapidly. Among the key symptoms are:

  • Early Symptoms (Flu-like):
  • High fever (higher than 38.5°C)
  • Severe headache
  • Muscle pain and general weakness
  • Sore throat
  • Advanced Symptoms:
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Rash and red eyes
  • Uncontrolled bleeding from the body (internal and external)
  • Failure of organ systems and multi-organ collapse

Are There Any Preventive Measures?

According to the UK Health Security Agency, there is no licensed vaccine for the Sudan ebolavirus, but preventive measures may include:

  • Avoid direct contact with infected individuals or animals.
  • Practice proper hand hygiene; wash hands with soap and water or disinfect them using a hand sanitiser.
  • Wear a protective suit and masks when treating patients in high-risk areas.
  • Avoid bushmeat, which carries the potential to transmit the virus.
  • Thoroughly disinfect areas contaminated with bodily fluids of an infected person.

What is South Sudan’s Ministry of Health Response?

After the Ugandan government’s confirmation of a Sudan ebolavirus outbreak in Kampala, Uganda’s government notified the South Sudan Ministry of Health about the outbreak. In response, the health ministry announced surveillance measures at major points of entry, with enhanced screening procedures for incoming travellers at Juba International Airport and the Nimule border and more intensified monitoring of individuals entering from Uganda.

With the rampant border movement between South Sudan and Uganda, the country is at a greater risk of virus transmission, according to Dr. Kediende Chong, Director General for Preventive Health Services and Emergency Response, as quoted by Eye Radio. 

Dr. Chong emphasised that these measures were necessary due to the movement of people between the two countries, which heightens the risk of the Ebola virus entering South Sudan.

Among the measures, citizens are urged to be vigilant and to report any suspected cases of Ebola to the nearest health facility, and early detection and isolation can prevent the spread of the virus.

Conclusion:

Ebola’s outbreak in Uganda poses serious public health challenges for bordering countries like South Sudan, although Ebola has not yet been reported in South Sudan. However, prevention is key to stopping the spread of the deadly virus and the Ministry of Health has announced enhancing border surveillance, public awareness, and health facility preparedness to protect the citizens.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: Did President Donald Trump threaten to issue arrest warrants to South Sudanese elites?

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No, US President Donald Trump didn’t make this speech, and it was AI-generated content.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A Social media audio claim that US President Donald Trump has threatened to issue arrest warrants for South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, business tycoon Benjamin Bol Mel, and SPLM Secretary-General Peter Lam Both is fake. 

The claim also added that Trump has vowed to freeze the assets of Benjamin Bol Mel and impose further sanctions on the South Sudanese government within 24 hours if the ban on social media remains. 

“I have been informed that the corrupt and brutal government of South Sudan has banned the citizens from accessing the internet. If these restrictions are not lifted within twenty-four hours, I will issue an arrest warrant for Dictator Salva Kiir, Benjamin Bol Mel, and SPLM General Secretary Peter Lam Both. Additionally, the United States will freeze all assets illegally acquired by Benjamin Bol Mel and impose further sanctions on the government of South Sudan,” reads the audio transcript of the claim.

This claim statement was widely shared on social media platforms, with one Facebook post by “Gambella Issue News” generating over 21,000 views, 300+ likes, 45 comments, and 165 shares. But despite its virality, the claim lacks credibility.

The screenshot of the Facebook post claim bearing President Trump’s image (up) and President Salva Kiir’s image (below).

Claim Verification:

A Google keyword search using “DONALD TRUMP SPEECH ABOUT SOUTH SUDAN INTERNET BAN” yielded no results from credible sources. No reliable news outlets have reported any such speech by Donald Trump targeting South Sudanese leaders.

A comprehensive review of Donald Trump’s speeches, interviews, and official accounts on platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) revealed no record of him making this statement.

If Trump had made such a controversial statement, it would have been widely covered by reputable international and South Sudanese media outlets, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, and Eye Radio. However, no such coverage exists, further debunking the claim.

The style and content of the audio suggest it was AI-generated. Advances in AI tools have made it easier to create deepfakes and fabricated audio recordings, often used to spread misinformation and disinformation.

Conclusion

211 Check established the claim that Donald Trump threatened to issue arrest warrants for South Sudanese elites and impose sanctions within 24 hours is false. The claim in the speech was fabricated using artificial intelligence technology, and Trump has not made any statement concerning the social media restrictions in South Sudan.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: A viral video of the protest with the caption President Kiir must go is old, not recent.

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There was no protest today, and the video does not depict a protest against the social media ban but rather a 2021 demonstration for justice after musician Trisha Cee was knocked down in a water tanker accident.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral video making rounds on social media claims to show South Sudanese youths protesting in Juba against President Salva Kiir’s rule. The protesters are allegedly demanding that the president face prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. However, this claim is false, and the video has been altered to mislead viewers.

“The social media blockade has sparked street protests in some parts of South Sudan, with youth calling for President Kiir to step down and face the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The country’s National Communication Authority, acting on orders from the ruling party, SPLM, has banned access to Facebook and TikTok across the country since last night. (File Footage)” reads Facebook Post. 

The screenshot of Garang John’s post.

Claim Verification: 

The video is not recent, and a Google reverse search reveals that the footage originally appeared on March 30th, 2021, during a protest unrelated to politics or the ICC.

The 2021 demonstration occurred after the tragic death of South Sudanese musician Trisha Cee, who was knocked off a boda-boda in a road accident involving a water tanker driven by an Eritrean. The protesters gathered at the Mobil Roundabout in Juba to demand improved healthcare services, stricter road safety regulations, and justice for Trisha Cee.

After a fatal road accident involving a water tanker, protesters called for better healthcare infrastructure and stricter licensing rules for foreign drivers, particularly Eritreans, as posted by Eye Radio.

Activists like Wani Michael, Manasseh Mathiang, and James Kolok were among those arrested during the protest. Demonstrators carried signs demanding justice for Trisha Cee, better road safety measures, and healthcare reforms.

Context:

The viral video has been manipulated with altered captions, and audio voices chanting “Kiir Must Go” in the background were taken from an old video protest about food and hunger by the students of the University of Bahr el Gazal in May 2024.

Social media users recirculated the video with misleading captions to stir political tension, but the fact remains clear the protests were about road safety and healthcare, not opposition to President Kiir.

Conclusion:

211 Check established that the viral video claiming that South Sudanese youth protested against President Kiir is false and misleading. The footage was extracted from a 2021 video that relates to demands for road safety and healthcare reforms following the death of musician Trisha Cee.

There was no protest today at the mobile roundabout regarding any issue against the president or the government.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Fact-check: No, the government is not recording WhatsApp calls as well as reading messages.

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WhatsApp’s viral claim about government surveillance is false. No evidence suggests WhatsApp is monitored in South Sudan; its encryption ensures privacy.

Writer: Makur Majeng

A viral WhatsApp message circulating in South Sudanese WhatsApp groups claiming that new communication rules would allow the government to monitor WhatsApp messages and calls is false. 

The message also included threats of arrest and prosecution for sharing content critical of the government or on sensitive topics while warning that devices are automatically connected to a government ministry system for monitoring.

Screenshot of the WhatsApp claim

In addition to that, it also claimed that WhatsApp has new rules for group members with different colours of ticks when messages are sent or read, warned users to avoid sharing “bad posts,” and advised WhatsApp group moderators to monitor their group content.

Screenshot of the claim

Claim Verification:

This is not a new claim, a Google keyword search showed that similar messages had been circulating globally since at least 2021. The same text, sometimes with minor variations, has appeared in countries like India, Nigeria, and Kenya, often sparking unnecessary alarm among users.

Other Facebook links are available here, here and here.

There has been no official announcement from WhatsApp or any government in South Sudan about effecting such measures. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, uses end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and receiver can read messages or access calls. Not even WhatsApp itself can intercept or monitor messages, let alone third parties like governments.

This claim has been debunked by various fact-checking organisations, including Fact Crescendo, NewsChecker and NewsMeter, in their previous investigations as false. 

211 Check also found an Africa Check fact-check, titled “No, WhatsApp is still fully encrypted,” published on their website in 2022. 

“This is false, all messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only the sender or the receiver can see or hear your messages, nobody else. Not even WhatsApp,” Africa Check quoted a WhatsApp official as saying at that time.

Conclusion

211 Check found earlier evidence which valid that the viral WhatsApp message is false and part of a recycling hoax that has been going on for a long.

The claim did not originate in South Sudan but from other countries around the world as part of misinformation which was debunked.

Neither the government of South Sudan nor other countries publicly announced such a move on recording WhatsApp calls and reading messages on the platform.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Explainer: Why cyber threats and scams remain a challenge in South Sudan?

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Misinformation and disinformation have been weaponised as tools to build trust and to create convincing narratives in phishing email messages or inbox alerts that influence users to accept or take action, whether by revealing their sensitive information.

Writer: Makur Majeng

As the digital space in South Sudan evolved, it has opened the door to cyber threats and scams from social media platforms and other online channels. The digital space continues to be the biggest driver of information dissemination among human populations, powered by both internet and mobile telecommunications penetration in the country.

Facebook and WhatsApp are widely used means of communication for a great majority. However, these platforms have become grounds for numerous cyber threats and scams—a real danger to users. 

Cyber threats are malicious acts that seek to damage data, steal data, or disrupt digital systems. It is normally perpetrated by individuals, criminal organisations, state actors, and terrorist organisations to achieve specific objectives.

Social media scams are suspicious activities by individuals who create fake profiles or pages and unexpectedly contact users on social media to gain their trust and manipulate them. A social media scammer pretends to be a friend, family member, or anybody with specific interests. 

On the other hand, they impersonate real business entities, employers, the government, and investment or online trading platforms.

This explainer provides an analysis to understand why such threats continue in South Sudan’s social media space.

Cyber Threats and Scams

According to a joint advisory issued by SafetyComm and 211 Check, in September this year, there are different categories of cyber scams rampant in South Sudan.

There have been false alarms where users receive notification messages directly in their inbox or email claiming to be sent from Meta or Facebook about page verification, violations of community standards, and copyright infringement. 

Some of these messages contain threats of account deletion or suspension and demand users to click malicious links within the next few hours. The intention is to entice the users to click malicious links that may lead to the compromise of their accounts.

In addition to that, a phishing attack has been used to acquire personal information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. The attack weaponised malicious links embedded into the false alarm notification messages by those masquerading as trustworthy individuals or entities.  

These cyber threats and scam operations involve social engineering techniques by cybercriminals seeking to manipulate victims into providing their confidential data. 

This method involves using lures to obtain clicks, masquerading as known entities or contacts to entice the victim into providing confidential data like passwords, and clicking on a malicious link embedded within job advertisements, promotions, fake giveaways, or investment schemes.

In the last five years, SafetyComm recorded a total of 854 compromised social media accounts between 2021 and 2024. Most of the cyber threats and scams take place on the Facebook platform, which amounts to 57.3%, with WhatsApp (22.8%) and Instagram (18.9%), as documented by the SafetyComm.

The dangers that come after being comprised is that confidential data not meant for the public will get its way into the hands of unauthorised persons, leading to identity theft, data loss, and, in the worst-case scenario, unauthorised access to private materials like nudes. 

Common Cyber Scams 

Scammers send messages with claims that a user’s profile has met the requirements for a verified badge from Meta, and then users are asked to click shady links within 24 hours before it expires. Users received false alerts that they had violated Meta’s Community Standards by allegedly using fake photos or distributing misleading content and directing users to request a review through a malicious link.

Also, scammers threaten users that their accounts have violated copyright infringement and will be deleted if users fail to repeal the incident through a dubious link. 

So why are cyber scams still rampant in South Sudan?

Many social media users do not have the necessary basic cyber security knowledge and tools to detect and prevent deceptive messages or fraudulent activities.  This makes them vulnerable to clicking on malicious email links without a second thought as to whom the link is coming from, as well as reacting to providing confidential personal data when asked by impersonators. 

There are no strong mechanisms now to enforce cyber laws due to a lack of legal basis and expertise by law enforcement agencies in prosecuting various cyber fraud schemes. The Cybercrime and Computer Misuse Bill is still in parliament for deliberations. This shortcoming has empowered cybercriminals to perpetrate deadly operations against online users in the country. 

The Role of Misinformation and Disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation have been weaponised as tools to build trust and to create convincing narratives in phishing email messages or inbox alerts that influence users to accept or take action, whether by revealing their sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details or by doing what the message has urged them to do.

In this context, by spreading false or misleading information, attackers and scammers exploit online users’ emotions in terms of fear and curiosity to lure them in by clicking on malicious links or providing confidential data.

Conclusion:

The digital landscape in South Sudan has significantly remained vulnerable to cyber threats and scams. This is due to a lack of strengthened information technology infrastructure and a lack of digital literacy skills among online users, which leaves them vulnerable to social engineering tactics employed by cybercriminals.

The absence of enforceable cyber laws has created an environment where perpetrators operate with relative impunity, exploiting loopholes and targeting unsuspecting users on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.

To overcome these threats, there is a need to improve cybersecurity infrastructure and enhance digital literacy to empower the public on how to detect and avoid cyber scams. Besides, the national parliament should fast-track the enactment of the Cybercrime and Computer Misuse law to set the stage for enforcement to protect online users.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing.  For more details, visit https://211check.org/, or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter.

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Explainer: How Starlink differs from other Internet service providers

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Starlink is a satellite internet service offered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX around the world, including South Sudan.

Writer: Makur Majeng

Starlink is a satellite internet service that provides high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, including everywhere on Earth. Starlink was launched on May 23, 2019, by SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket. In comparison with traditional telecommunications companies and Internet service providers that offer Internet services, Starlink’s technology operates based on Low Earth Orbit at speeds of 7.7 km/s above the Earth’s surface and conveys Internet coverage directly from space. 

Source: Rafael Henrique / LightRocket via Getty Images

The differences between Starlink satellite and traditional Internet service providers (companies).

In contrast to traditional fibre optics, copper cables, cellular networks, or other physical infrastructures, the Starlink network consists of LEO satellites put in orbit. Later, these satellites will be used to establish connections with ground stations and user terminals known as small satellite dishes. 

As a result, it allows the company to provide internet services where it is impossible or economically impractical to lay a physical network infrastructure.

Meanwhile, telecom companies typically use fibre-optic cables, Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), and cellular towers to provide internet services. 

On the other hand, Starlink provides global coverage and provides services for citizens in remote and rural areas, but telecom internet companies operate with limited coverage and serve the citizens of the city and suburban areas or wherever there is network infrastructure.

SpaceX’s Starlink Internet Service consists of a ground terminal (right) and antenna for high-speed satellite internet. (Image credit: SpaceX)

What are the pros and cons of Starlink?

Pros

Starlink enables internet penetration in locations where regular internet services are unavailable. It demands no need for enormous ground-based infrastructure and minimises time to deploy. 

The satellite infrastructure could ultimately result in lower operating costs compared to traditional physical infrastructures once the entire network is implemented.

Cons

Starlink for starters is expensive, and users must buy a satellite dish and router for setup, and weather-dependent typical performance can suffer from things like snow or rain, and it is also expensive for poor households to acquire Starlink for home use.

The number of countries using Starlink as of August 2024 includes 21 countries from continental America, which are the United States, Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Canada, Chile, Easter Island, Mexico, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Barbados, Peru, Colombia, Haiti, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, Bahamas, Honduras, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Costa Rica.

In Europe, there are 30 countries, including overseas territories, which include; the United Kingdom, Pitcairn Islands, Germany, France, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Denmark, Portugal, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, Czechia, Sweden, Croatia, Lithuania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Greece, Latvia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Luxembourg, Moldova, Estonia, Norway, Malta, Finland, Iceland, Cyprus, Georgia, and Albania.

In Oceania, there are 6 countries, which include New Zealand, Australia, Micronesia, Fiji, and Tonga. 

On the African continent, there are 13 countries, which include Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Benin, Eswatini, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, South Sudan, Botswana, and Ghana. In Asia, there are 6 countries: Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, and Indonesia.

The Starlink availability map is here.

The global availability of the Starlink maps with the light blue location, source: Starlink

What are the future markets of traditional Internet service providers?

In rural or remote areas of competition, traditional Internet service providers (ISPs) like Liquid, Connect, IPTech, and others, for example, may not be as competitive as Starlink due to high infrastructure costs, and at the same time, the demand for their services may decrease with the growing Starlink penetration due to more users’ acquisitions of Starlink.

For ISPs to compete in reliability, speed, and reachability, they will need to invest heavily in expanding the coverage of fibre optic cable infrastructure in both remote and urban areas, which is financially very costly. 

However, Starlink is less costly in terms of infrastructure and can reach areas without cellular tower networks using its terminals and dishes.

In another related development, on January 8th, 2024, SpaceX successfully tested text messaging using its direct-to-cell satellites. The move further aims to overcome the challenge of connecting cell phones and other cellular devices to fast-moving satellites. 

Six satellites were launched, which function as cellphone towers in space and will provide text service in 2024 and voice, data services, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in 2025. 

This addition, according to Elon Musk, will allow mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth. However, he noted that it is not competitive with the existing terrestrial cellular networks. 

SpaceX has partnered with T-Mobile and other global operators to utilise the Long Term Evolution (LTE) spectrum, a fourth-generation network wireless standard offering seamless connectivity without the need for new devices or apps.

Conclusion:

Starlink technology is on the verge of becoming a major advancement in terms of the Internet service markets, especially for rural and underprivileged locations. On one hand, it is capable of providing worldwide coverage and scalability. 

However, its downsides include weather-dependent reliability and a relatively high cost for starters.

To remain competitive in the evolving telecom landscape, traditional carriers will need to adapt and invest—potentially striking internet infrastructures that cover hard-to-reach areas with reliable affordability for underprivileged locations. 

However, the entry of Starlink into the Internet markets has put pressure on traditional Internet service providers on how to retain and maintain market shares. 

In South Sudan, the National Communication Authority (NCA) approved Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Internet entry on June 26, 2024, and South Sudanese citizens have embraced the internet service compared with the fibre optic one.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives. Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter

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Explainer: MonkeyPox, what do you need to know?

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A cumulative total of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox, including 208 deaths, were reported to WHO from 116 countries in all six WHO regions in Africa from January 1st, 2022, to June 30th, 2024. However, South Sudan has no confirmed case of Mpox, according to the Ministry of Health.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

A media report on August 7th, 2024 by Radio Tamazuj indicated that there were two suspected cases of monkeypox in Aweil town, Northern Bahr-el Ghazal State.

The State Ministry of Health has reported the case, and some samples were taken to the World Health Organisation in Juba, according to Dr. Riing Riing Lual Dau, the Northern Bahr-el Ghazal State Minister of Health.  

“We called the lab technicians to take the sample that was booked by WHO to Juba to be confirmed in the main lab. If it is monkeypox, we will inform our community to put in place preventative measures,” said Dr. Riing.

The Getty image indicates monkeypox patience. 

211 Check research:

With the recent suspected case of monkeypox, 211check has conducted in-depth research to educate the public.

What is monkeypox?

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a disease caused by infection with a virus known as the monkeypox virus. This virus is part of the same family virus that causes smallpox.

Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people. It is endemic, or found regularly, in parts of Central and West Africa. The virus that causes monkeypox has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals that live in these areas.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes mpox (monkeypox), a disease with symptoms similar to smallpox, although less severe. 

While smallpox was eradicated in 1980, mpox continues to occur in countries in central and western Africa. 

How does the monkeypox virus transmit?

According to the WHO, Mpox spreads from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected with the monkeypox virus. Close contact includes being face-to-face (such as talking or breathing close to one another, which can generate droplets or short-range aerosols); skin-to-skin (such as touching or vaginal/anal sex); mouth-to-mouth (such as kissing); or mouth-to-skin contact (such as oral sex or kissing the skin). 

The CDC indicates that both clades of mpox spread through direct contact with infected wild animals, through close contact, including intimate or sexual contact with a person with mpox, and through contact with contaminated materials.

Similar analyses can also be found here, here, here, and here.

What are the signs and symptoms of monkeypox?

People with mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth, or near the genitals, including the penis, testicles, labia, vagina, and anus, according to the CDC.

The first symptom of monkeypox is a rash, while others may have different symptoms first. The rash begins as a flat sore, which develops into a blister filled with liquid and may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over, and fall off. Some people may have one or a few skin lesions, and others may have hundreds or more. These can appear anywhere on the body, such as the palms of hands and soles of feet, face, mouth, throat, groin and genital areas, and anus.

Some people also have painful swelling of their rectum or pain and difficulty when peeing.

More information can also be found here.

Besides, the WHO factsheet indicates the signs and symptoms of a person infected with monkeypox usually begin within a week but can start 1 to 21 days after exposure. However, the symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks and sometimes longer in someone with a weakened immune system.

How can monkeypox be detected and treated?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, to diagnose mpox, the healthcare provider takes a tissue sample from an open sore (lesion). Then, send it to a lab for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing genetic fingerprinting. 

In addition to that, the person affected also needs to give a blood sample to check for the monkeypox virus or antibodies the immune system makes.

Currently, there are not any approved antiviral treatments for monkeypox. However, antiviral drugs like cidofovir or tecovirimat may be prescribed to the sick person by a healthcare provider. 

How can monkeypox be prevented?

The CDC recommends the JYNNEOS vaccine for the prevention of mpox. Getting both doses provides the best protection. A person should get two doses four weeks apart. Even if it has been longer than 4 weeks since the first vaccine dose, one needs to get the second dose as soon as possible. However, if a Mpox patient previously recovered from mpox, he or she does not need the vaccine.

What are the authorities in South Sudan doing about the recent suspected monkeypox cases?

The Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Ministry of Health has registered two suspected samples that were taken to Uganda for further investigation.  

However, according to the report by Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Riing Yak Chan, the Director of Preventive Health Services, said none of the cases has substantively been confirmed as monkeypox but promised to continue monitoring the situation.

In addition to that, the National Ministry of Health, in a press statement on August 19th, 2024 assured the public that South Sudan has no confirmed case of monkeypox.

“The Ministry of Health reassures that there is no confirmed case of Mpox in South Sudan and urges the general public to remain calm but vigilant and report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or to call the Toll-Free Line 6666,” reads a press statement released by the Ministry of Health.

On the other hand, the Health Ministry encouraged the public to adhere to the following public health preventive measures:

  • Avoid close contact with an infected person.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
  • Do not share bedding, clothing, towels, or utensils with sick people.
  • Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
  • Isolate infected patients in hospitals or at home.
  • Avoid close contact with wild animals, especially those found sick or dead.
  • Cook all foods containing fresh animal meat or products properly before eating.

What is the World Health Organisation saying?

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024. The WHO  noted that the declaration makes it easier to speed up the acquisition and implementation of funding, global public health measures, and joint efforts to contain the disease. The WHO advisory on Mpox is found here also.

 Conclusion

With the declaration of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO, South Sudan has no confirmed cases of the disease. 

However, the Health Ministry noted that “in the African region, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded the highest number of Mpox cases for the time, with sustained transmission driven by sexual contact. Other countries neighbouring the DRC that have reported Mpox include Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Some of these countries closely bordering South Sudan with porous borders and high population movements posed an increased risk of spillover of the monkeypox virus into the country.”

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fighting misinformation and disinformation in the media is crucial to avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

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The National Examinations Council records a 35.4% pass rate decline in the 2023 Certificate of Secondary Education Results

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The 2023 Certificate of Secondary Education results showed 17,691 students failed the exams, which the education ministry attributed to tight control over malpractices compared with the previous years. Overall, 45,666 candidates registered for the SSCSE exams, with 28,038 males and 16,628 females in 500 schools across the country.

Writer: Makur Majeng

South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) on 8th August 2024 announced that only 26,440 candidates passed with a rate of 59.9% out of 44,131 candidates who fully sat for the 2023 Certificate of Secondary Education. 

The exam was conducted from the 4th to the 16th of December 2023 according to the National Examinations Council’s calendar. 

The National Examinations Council (NEC) noted that out of 45,666 candidates registered for the exams across the country, 966 candidates did not turn up for the examination, 291 did not complete exams, 8 did not follow exam registration criteria, and 28 cheating cases were recorded. These made the candidates’ results incomplete, cancelled, and not graded.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

The candidates that sat for the 2023 NEC exams were registered under different sections, whereby 45,433 candidates registered under the academic section, with 28,878 male and 16,555 female, 107 candidates were registered under the commercial section with 49 male and 58 female, and 126 registered for the technical section with 111 male and 15 female.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

NEC indicated that out of 45,666 candidates, 44,131 were successfully graded, with 27,897 male and 16,234 female, representing 63.2% and 36.8%, respectively.

In addition to that, out of 44,131, 26,440 candidates obtained a mean grade of C plain and above which qualified them for university entry, with 16,633 male and 9,807 female. However, 17,692 with 11,264 male and 6,427 female candidates failed the examinations.

“Out of the 44,131 candidates, 26,440 (16,633 males, 9,807 females) managed to obtain the minimum university entry qualification (mean grade of C and above) and hence qualify for progression to universities, while 17,691 (11, 264 males, 6,427 females) could not make it, unfortunately. This represents a pass rate of 59.9% (at least C plain), which indicates a decline compared to the pass rate of 95.3% in 2022. This decline can be attributed to controlled exam malpractices in the 2023 CSE Examinations,” said Awut Deng Achuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction, during the release of the results.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

In comparison with the previous year, the pass rate in 2023 has plummeted by 35.4% from 95.3% in 2022 and this marks the lowest pass rate recorded. 

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

According to the press statement issued by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, female candidates slightly outperformed male candidates.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

Conclusion:

The 2023 South Sudan Certificate of Secondary has been marked by a 35.4% decline compared with the previous year, 2022 where candidates’ performance was recorded at 95.3%. The Ministry of Education attributed the decline to controlled exam malpractices where exams were not leaked as well as candidates being unable to cheat.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fighting misinformation and disinformation in the media is crucial to avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

Bank of South Sudan has not introduced a new currency note in 2024

Fact-check: Bank of South Sudan has not introduced a new currency note in 2024

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The picture circulated on Facebook and WhatsApp is an edited Namibian dollar banknote.

Writer: Jibi Moses

The specimen of a banknote shared on Facebook and several WhatsApp groups claiming to be a new South Sudanese Pound two hundred (SSP 200) is false. 

The note, mainly covered in purple,  was shared on a purported Bank of South Sudan headed paper. Although there was no description or any other explanation, The note’s main features are Dr.John Garang’s picture, Antelopes, the strips, the governor’s signature, and the serial number, among other features. 

“New Currency. Bank of South Sudan has released a 200 SSP note,” Duany News Network shared on Facebook. Some Facebook posts include one, two, three, and four.

Screenshot of the Edited Banknote, purported to be a new South Sudanese SSP 200 note

Claim Verification: 

A keyword internet search for “Did the Bank of South Sudan release a 200 banknote?” did not return any positive results. This search showed that the latest currency to be released in South Sudan is the South Sudanese Pounds one thousand note (SSP 1000) on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.

211 Check did a reverse image search, and the results showed that this is a Namibian dollar 200 note. Both Yandex and Baidu have pictures of the same 200 Namibian dollar banknote.

Banknote World Educational in 2015 published the note with the caption, “Namibia 200 Namibia Dollars Banknote, 2015, P-15b.” In this publication, they also gave the exchange rate to the US dollar, which stood at $60 then. 

Apart from the picture of Captain Hendrik Witbooi’s face, which was portrayed on the obverse of all Namibian dollar banknotes until March 20, 2012, it is still on all N$50, N$100, and N$200 notes and the Bank of Namibia. The rest of the features are the same as the ones in the picture, which claims to be for the South Sudan 200 New Bank Note. 

A screenshot of the N$ 200 banknote as published on the Banknote World website

Namibian Dollar Bank Notes

According to the Bank of Namibia, there are six denominations (values) of Bank of Namibia notes in circulation: N$10, N$20, N$30, N$50, N$100, and N$200.

The Bank of Namibia officially introduced and issued the first Namibian dollar designs for the 10, 50, and 100 Namibian dollar banknote denominations on September 15, 1993. The 20 and 200 Namibian dollar banknote denominations were introduced in 1996. Although the 20 and 200 Namibia dollar banknotes maintained the same design as the first 10, 50, and 100 Namibia dollar banknotes, they did contain some additional trademarked security features. The 10, 50, and 100 Namibian dollar banknotes were subsequently upgraded to include these features.

South Sudanese Pounds BankNotes

The South Sudanese pound is the currency of the Republic of South Sudan. It is subdivided into 100 piasters. The Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly approved it before secession on July 9, 2011 from Sudan. It was introduced on July 18, 2011, and replaced the Sudanese pound.

Coins and Banknotes: 25 pounds, 25 piasters, 5 piasters, 1 pound, 10 piasters

Banknotes: SSP 1, SSP 5, SSP 10, SSP 20, SSP 25, SSP 50, SSP 100, SSP 500, and SSP 1,000. The latest to be introduced is the SSP 1,000 note on February 9, 2021.

Screenshot of the new banknote published on the Bank of South Sudan website on February 9, 2021

Conclusion:

211 Check has found the claim that the image circulating on Facebook and WhatsApp that the Bank of South Sudan has introduced a new currency, the SSP 200 note, is false; the picture is an edited Namibian dollar N$ 200 banknote. 

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter

Fact-check: These aren’t images of Ugandan soldiers in Juba in 2024 

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These pictures were taken in 2016 when the Ugandan army came to Juba, South Sudan, to collect their citizens after the July conflict broke out in Juba.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

On March 17, 2024, a Facebook user posted two pictures of military trucks fully loaded with well-armed soldiers claiming to be of Ugandan armed forces in Juba in 2024, but this is false. 

One of the trucks is marked Uganda Police. The trucks were on a highway, and ahead of it was a bridge. 

The pictures captioned, “Uganda forces arrived in Capital Juba South Sudan.” have been shared 22 times and gained 16 comments and 16 reactions during this claim investigation. 

“Something big is about to happen in Juba; be prepared my people, another dogfight is loading right now in the capital city Juba,” one person commented.

The screenshot of the post was made with the pictures on March 17, 2024 

Claim Verification:

211 Check ran a Google reverse image search on the pictures, and the results showed that these pictures have been on the internet since 2016.

The New Vision, the leading publication of Vision Group Media in Uganda, published one of the pictures on July 14, 2016, with the caption, “UPDF enters South Sudan to Evacuate Citizens” 

A screenshot of one of the pictures used by New Vision in 2016.

Al Jazeera published a story on July 14, 2016, in which they attached a video from where one of the pictures was taken.

The screenshot of the article, as published by Al Jazeera, with one of the pictures.

Apart from the above publications, other news outlets published stories about these pictures, as seen here, here, here, and here.

Conclusion:

211 Chcek has found a claim with pictures shared by a user on Facebook, claiming to be of Ugandan armies in Juba in 2024, is false. These pictures of Ugandan soldiers were taken on July 17, 2016. These soldiers came to help evacuate Ugandans and other citizens who were caught up in Juba in the July 2016 conflict.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 921 350 435. #FactsMatter