CES Health Minister Seeks Stronger ICRC Support for Healthcare Services

(JUBA) – The Central Equatoria State Minister of Health, Hon. Joyce Bakwa Agole, has held discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross, or ICRC, aimed at strengthening healthcare services across the state.

The meeting, held in Juba on Friday, focused on key health priorities and areas where the State Ministry of Health requires additional support to improve access to essential health services and strengthen the health system.

During the engagement, Minister Bakwa called for support in expanding immunisation services through the provision of EPI vaccines, empowering Boma Health Workers, renovating Primary Health Care Centres, and providing an ambulance to improve referral services for critically ill patients.

She also appealed for assistance in supplying essential medicines to health facilities in order to address drug shortages and ensure communities receive adequate healthcare services.

Speaking during the meeting, ICRC Health Coordinator Mrs. Rose Caroline welcomed the initiative and assured the Ministry that the requests would be presented to the organisation’s leadership for consideration.

Mrs. Caroline highlighted ongoing ICRC support in Central Equatoria State, including mobile clinic services, the provision of essential medicines, referral support, and the renovation of selected health facilities.

She further revealed plans for ICRC to expand its health interventions to Kajo-Keji County in partnership with the State Ministry of Health, with the goal of improving access to quality healthcare services for local communities.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming the importance of continued collaboration to strengthen the delivery of healthcare services across Central Equatoria State.