Ministry of Health Commences Two-Day Consultative Meeting in Juba 

By Denilson Denike

The Ministry of Health has kicked off a two-day consultative meeting in Juba. The meeting, which brings together key stakeholders in the health sector, aims to discuss and address the challenges facing the sector and explore ways to improve healthcare services in the country.

During the opening of the meeting, H.E Hussein Abdalbagi, Vice President for Service Cluster, acknowledged the generous support from multiple international support consortiums that have helped the health sector deliver services to the people of South Sudan, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

He emphasized the need to enhance the health sector’s performance and called for urgent support from partners, urging donors not to reduce funding to the health sector.

Hon Yolanda Awel Deng, the National Minister for Health, highlighted the importance of the consultative meeting in advancing the social services of the health sector throughout the country. She emphasized the need for collaboration between the government, private sector, and the community to ensure the localization, sustainability, and resilience of the healthcare sector in South Sudan.

Hon. Dr. Ader Macar, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of the meeting in determining the health service delivery for the next three years. He emphasized the need for critical observation and patriotic decisions to benefit the entire South Sudanese population.

Representing the state ministers, Hon Najua Juma Mursal, Central Equatoria State Minister, called on her colleagues and director generals to actively participate in the meeting to find concrete solutions to the challenges facing the health sector.

Rose Obede, representing all the state director generals, expressed gratitude to the donors and developmental partners for their support. She emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling health issues and improving healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Obia Achieng, Deputy Representative-Programmes for UNICEF South Sudan, commended the leadership of South Sudan for their vision and commitment to improving the health sector. She highlighted the journey taken by the country since 2012 and the milestones achieved in the health sector transformation system.

Dr Mutali Senkwe, UCN Cluster Team representative for WHO, congratulated the National Ministry of Health for commissioning the strategy and guide for the health sector transformation system. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with state ministries of health and other stakeholders in improving the health of the people of South Sudan.

The Health Sector Transformation Project for South Sudan aims to expand access to basic health and nutrition services, improve health sector stewardship, and strengthen the health system. The project consists of four components, including the provision of basic health services nationwide, health systems strengthening, monitoring and evaluation, and a contingent emergency response component.

The consultative meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss and strategize on how to effectively implement the project and improve healthcare services in South Sudan.