South Sudan, WHO launch national action plan to strengthen country’s healthcare system

South Sudan, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched a National Action Plan for the healthcare system spanning from 2020 to 2024. The primary aim of this initiative is to fortify the country's healthcare infrastructure to effectively combat and prevent disease outbreaks. This move comes as the nation signed a pivotal five-year health cooperation agreement with China, further bolstering its commitment to enhancing its healthcare sector. Akol Dok, an Africa Political & Economic Affairs Analyst, shed light on the significance of these endeavors during an interview with CNBC Africa. The healthcare sector in South Sudan has faced significant challenges, particularly highlighted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Historically underfunded, the healthcare system has now emerged as a top priority for the nation, following the establishment of peace agreements. The global spotlight on health and medicine has underscored the critical importance of investing in robust healthcare systems and national action plans to effectively combat diseases and outbreaks. Dok discussed the core objectives of the partnership between the WHO and the South Sudanese government, emphasizing the need to establish a resilient healthcare apparatus capable of proactively addressing current and future health crises. In addition to combating COVID-19, the partnership aims to equip healthcare professionals adequately, ensure the availability of essential medical equipment, and enhance technical expertise to enhance outbreak response capabilities. The implementation of the National Action Plan is projected to require approximately $70 million over five years. Key focus areas include strengthening healthcare institutions and administration to foster self-sufficiency in disease response. The holistic approach aims to enable the government to independently tackle health crises, building on knowledge and skills transfer mechanisms. Investing in the healthcare system is paramount for South Sudan, not only for public health reasons but also for economic stability. A robust healthcare infrastructure contributes to a healthy and productive population, ultimately boosting economic output. By prioritizing healthcare, the government seeks to ensure that citizens can access essential medical services within the country, enhancing overall well-being and reducing the dependence on external aid during health emergencies. Furthermore, South Sudan's collaboration with China through a health cooperation agreement signifies a significant milestone in healthcare capacity building. The memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Embassy focuses on knowledge exchange and capacity enhancement between Chinese medical institutions and South Sudan's main hospital, the Juba Teaching Hospital. The agreement encompasses training for medical personnel, provision of medicines, and equipping healthcare facilities to elevate the standard of care and broadening coverage across the nation. The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled systemic vulnerabilities across various sectors globally, prompting countries, including South Sudan, to draw crucial lessons for future preparedness. Dok emphasized the importance of establishing independent and resilient healthcare systems that can effectively manage disease outbreaks without relying heavily on external support. By investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical supplies, and training, countries in Africa can mitigate health risks and ensure access to quality healthcare services locally, reducing reliance on foreign aid during crises. South Sudan's strategic alliances with the WHO and China underscore its commitment to enhancing healthcare capacity and readiness to tackle uncertainties in the future. By prioritizing healthcare investments and fostering partnerships for knowledge exchange and capacity building, the nation is positioning itself to build a sustainable healthcare system that can effectively safeguard the well-being of its population and respond swiftly to healthcare challenges.