South Sudan News

In South Sudan, where challenges like disease outbreaks, limited healthcare access, conflicts, and flooding are frequent, there's a strong push to improve health services.

With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global partners, the country has embarked on its Second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) of the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005.

Juba ‒ Cecilia Achuwor, a 38-year-old mother of six children, is one of the hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees who have crossed the border into South Sudan since the beginning of the conflict in neighbouring Sudan 16 months ago. “My husband remains in Khartoum,” she says. “We separated from him without any communication. He doesn’t know where we are and we also don’t know where he is. I am here alone with the children, and they are all sick,” she says. 

For Michael Akok, a 28-year-old fourth year university student, being diagnosed with viral hepatitis was a devastating blow. He had silently endured life-threatening pain, unaware of his condition until a medical test revealed the truth.

29 July 2024 - With the theme “It’s time for action,” South Sudan joins the global community to celebrate World Hepatitis Day 2024. This day calls on all stakeholders to increase investment and enhance collaboration to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in the country.

16 July 2024, Juba, South Sudan - In a historic move to combat the devastating impact of malaria, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with UNICEF, World Health Organization and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, today launched the nationwide rollout of the R21 malaria vaccine. This landmark event marks a significant stride in the country's efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of its children.

Juba, 5 July 2024 – Dr Humphrey Karamagi, the newly appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Representative for South Sudan, presented his letter of credentials to Hon. Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goc, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

On 5 May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency, but efforts to fight the virus continue worldwide.

In South Sudan, the Ministry of Health set an ambitious goal to vaccinate over 80% of the population aged 18 and above by the end of 2024. To achieve this, the Ministry of Health included COVID-19 vaccination as part of regular healthcare services. This strategic move ensured that COVID-19 vaccines were readily accessible across various centers, increasing the chances of reaching a broad population.

Context

Juba, 31 May 2024—In a historic step towards safeguarding children's lives and alleviating the high incidence of malaria in the country, the first consignment of the R21 malaria vaccine arrived in Juba today. The Ministry of Health received over 645 000 doses, which will be distributed to 28 counties with the highest malaria burden as plans continue to scale up nationwide.

In the remote district of Kapoeta East County, Eastern Equatoria State, life is a daily struggle for its 376 224 residents. This county, which borders Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, faces severe health challenges due to harsh climatic conditions and food insecurity, including drought and seasonal flooding that hinder transportation and access to essential services.