Expired Drug Disposal Exercise Launched in Morobo County

(MOROBO) – The Health Department in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, will carry out a large scale drug de-junking exercise on 23 July 2025, aimed at improving public health safety by safely disposing of expired medicines and outdated medical supplies.

This decision was made following a consultative meeting held on 22 July 2025 between the County Health Department and Morobo County Commissioner, Hon. Charles Data Bullen. During the discussions, health officials confirmed that several medical items including expired stocks of Benzathine injections, Vitamin A supplements and malaria test kits will be destroyed.

These items have accumulated due to a low uptake of health services in the county and a national push based distribution system that often delivers drugs and supplies without considering actual demand at the facility level.

Speaking after the meeting, Morobo County Health Director Mr. Malish James said that improper supply and poor health seeking behaviour among the population are major causes of wastage.

“The reason we have large quantities of expired drugs is because supplies are not demand-driven. They come based on estimates rather than real time needs,” Mr. James explained.

To prevent similar issues in future, Commissioner Data stressed the need to strengthen drug stock management. He recommended implementing the “First-In, First-Out” (FIFO) method across all Morobo County health facilities, a system that ensures older stock is used before newer items are opened.

The drug disposal operation will also free up space in storage facilities, allowing for improved inventory practices and room for more essential and unexpired medicines.

According to estimates, some of the expired stock includes significant quantities worth millions of South Sudanese Pounds. Officials say the drug de-junking exercise is vital for restoring trust in local health services.