South Sudan Government Officials Enhance Skills in Health, Border and Mobility Management Training
In a significant effort to bolster public health security amid growing challenges, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has successfully conducted a three-day training program on Health, Border and Mobility Management (HBMM) for government officials in Juba. The training took place from November 11-13, 2024, and aimed to equip participants with vital knowledge and skills to respond effectively to public health threats associated with migration.
The initiative is part of IOM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the capabilities of government agencies in managing health risks that arise along the mobility continuum, especially given South Sudan’s unique challenges as a transit and host country for migrants. Covering an array of essential topics such as communicable disease preparedness, response, and recovery, the training emphasized the implementation of the HBMM Framework, a strategic tool designed to build migrant-responsive health systems.
“IOM is dedicated to supporting governments in reinforcing their health systems to ensure the health security of all individuals, including migrants and host communities,” stated Benson Otieno, IOM’s Migration Health Officer. “This training empowers officials with the required tools to tackle health issues that affect mobility along borders.”
The program featured interactive sessions that encouraged collaboration and multisectoral coordination among participants. Representatives from government health departments, including those responsible for border surveillance and immigration, gained practical experience and strategies for managing health threats associated with migration.
Moreover, the training underscored the critical role of the 2005 International Health Regulation (IHR), which requires countries to implement preventive measures at critical points of entry such as ports and airports. This ensures that mobility is managed safely while minimizing health risks and avoiding unnecessary travel and trade restrictions.
With support from USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, IOM plans to continue offering training and capacity-building initiatives to enhance health and border mobility management in South Sudan. The training program not only aims to protect the health of migrants and host communities but also strengthens the overall resilience of public health systems in the region.
As the world grapples with complex migration dynamics and public health challenges, initiatives like the HBMM training are vital in paving the way for a healthier and safer future for all.
