Gov’t launches two strategic plans to mitigate public health threats
By Denis Ejulu
The government in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), on Wednesday launched two health strategic plans aimed at tackling public health threats such as zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and response to natural and man-made disasters.
The One Health Strategic Plan and the 2nd National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) 2025-2030, will enhance preparedness and response to public health threats, safeguarding and improving the health for the communities, livestock, wildlife, and environment, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Elia Lomuro said in a joint statement issued in Juba.
Lomuro commended the ministry of health and the One-Health Department for ensuring South Sudan becomes the sixth country to complete the NAPHS in the Africa region.
The Minister of Health, Sarah Cleto Rial, emphasized that these documents are the governments’ one-stop center that will guide effective coordination in building the country preparedness, investments in prevention, detection and management of public health threats.
Humphrey Karamagi, WHO representative in South Sudan commended the government for completing the NAPHS at a time when the newly adopted international health regulations (IHR) amendments will come into force.
He also commended the ministry of health for the leadership and compliance with the global health security agenda and the newly amended international health regulation, which WHO secretariat considers as essential to preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
The two documents will be implemented by the ministry of health, the ministry of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, ministry of livestock and fisheries, ministry of wildlife conservation and tourism, ministry of agriculture and food security and the ministry of environment and forestry with participation of key health development partners.
