S. Sudan health ministers launch seven-year strategic plan at Nairobi conference
April 11, 2014 (RUMBEK) – South Sudan’s 10 state ministries of health have launched a strategic plan focused on prevention and intervention mechanisms in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.
Gum said Malaria is responsible for over 40% of mortality cases in South Sudan, an enormous economic burden on the country.
Representatives from the Kenyan malaria control programme, Malawi, Uganda and Tanzania also participated in the 12-day workshop which ran from 31 March to 11 April 11.
The program was supported by USAID, WHO, PSI, Mentor initiative, with NGOs also taking part in the process.
The 2014-2021 strategic health plan is the first of its kind to be launched since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
Gum described the conference as “productive and constructive”, praising his colleagues for their commitment and participation in the conference.
According to Gum, the document will address major reforms in South Sudan’s health sector, particularly he malaria programme, where capacity building is a priority for successful implementation.
“I appreciate all the members of my team and partners for their support and commitment to successfully develop[ing] the document in [the] shortest time possible,” he said.
The plan also includes measures to address issues of human resources in health facilities at the primary care level, as well as preventive measures to reduce the malaria burden in South Sudan by 2021.
(ST)