10th East African Scientific Conference Heads to Juba

(Juba) – South Sudan will host the 10th East African Scientific Conference in Juba from 25 to 27 June 2025, bringing together more than 300 delegates from across the East African Community (EAC) and beyond. The announcement was made Friday by the country’s national health ministry, which confirmed that the event will take place at the Pyramid Continental Hotel.

The East African Scientific Conference serves as a regional platform for scientists, researchers, government officials, academic institutions, and development partners to exchange knowledge and showcase innovations that can address shared challenges across East Africa. The conference is held under the umbrella of the East African Community, which includes eight partner states.

Speaking to the press, Health Minister Sarah Cleto Rial said the conference will feature keynote speakers, health professionals, researchers, students, and dignitaries from each EAC country. She emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation in tackling persistent health threats and under-researched diseases in the region.

“This conference will bring together important delegates to share regional scientific health research, concerns, and interests,” said Minister Cleto. She noted that South Sudan hopes to use the opportunity to improve its response to illnesses like cancer, which have not received sufficient national attention.

Beyond health, Cleto listed other areas of focus for the event, including food security, safe drinking water, environmental hazards, traffic-related injuries, regulation of food and drug imports, and the prevention of airborne diseases. She also highlighted the crucial role education plays in building the foundation for a strong health system, calling for deeper investment in academic research and training.

One of the key benefits of the conference, according to Cleto, will be the ability to influence regional policy through evidence-based research and to promote collaboration across borders. “This will help us strengthen our research capacity, share knowledge, and develop a more coordinated regional response to common problems,” she said.

To host the event, South Sudan has contributed USD 385,000 (approximately 618.8 million South Sudanese Pounds at the current exchange rate of 1 SSP = 0.000622 USD), fulfilling its obligation as a member of the EAC. The funds cover organizational costs and support participation by local and regional experts.

Ben Gideon, Undersecretary of the East African Community, said the Juba conference will also serve as a chance to assess South Sudan’s progress in meeting EAC integration standards. These include the creation of health research centers and regulatory systems aligned with regional frameworks. He noted that South Sudan is already working toward establishing its own health research center.

Hosting the East African Scientific Conference marks a major milestone for South Sudan, which joined the EAC in 2016. Organizers believe the event will enhance the country’s visibility within the regional bloc and foster stronger collaboration in science, health, and innovation.

The three-day conference is expected to result in concrete recommendations to guide health and development strategies in the years ahead, while building networks that could lead to long-term research partnerships.