Malnutrition Tops Agenda in Health Ministry and MSF Talks

(JUBA) – The Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, on Friday received a delegation from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for a courtesy visit at her office in Juba. The MSF team was led by the organisation’s Country Representative, Mamman Mustapha.

The discussions focused on ways to improve access to essential healthcare services across South Sudan, with particular emphasis on maternal and child health.

The meeting also addressed major public health concerns, including malaria and malnutrition, which continue to place pressure on vulnerable communities in many parts of the country.

Cleto expressed the government’s commitment to working with humanitarian partners such as MSF to ensure that quality healthcare reaches those most in need.

She said that collaboration with medical organisations was essential in strengthening national health services and filling gaps in areas where facilities and resources remain limited.

Mamman Mustapha highlighted the ongoing role of MSF in South Sudan, noting that the organisation has been supporting local health systems for years through emergency interventions, treatment programmes and medical training.

He reaffirmed MSF’s readiness to continue working with the Ministry of Health to provide both technical expertise and resources for tackling urgent health issues.

The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to maintain open lines of communication and to hold follow up sessions to develop practical plans for cooperation.

A press statement on the health ministry’s communications platforms said the partnership is expected to improve the ability of the Ministry and its partners to respond effectively to recurring health crises.